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Morrill Hall

Nestled in Lincoln on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus, Morrill Hall has been welcoming curious minds since 1927. Visitors can walk through the iconic Elephant Hall featuring “Archie” the world’s largest fully mounted Columbian mammoth fossil, witness active research in our Visible Lab, explore Nebraska’s ancient prairies in Cherish Nebraska, visit space in Mueller Planetarium, and try being the scientist in our Science Exploration Zone. Don’t forget our fun, interactive exhibits featuring dinosaurs, anthropology, insects and more. Open year-round, Morrill Hall is a Smithsonian-affiliated, research-based museum where exploration never stops. Whether you’re a school group, a family, a tourist, or a lifelong learner, we’ve got something you’ll enjoy. 

Exterior of Morrill Hall with Archie statue in front and green trees

Museum Happenings

Summer Camps

Registration Now Open

Explore science and natural history with hands-on half-day and full-day summer Discovery Day Camps at Morrill Hall. 

Camps run June-July 2026 for youth who completed Grades K-8. 

Our camps are educator led, and include museum exploration, outside time, and some researcher visits and bonus field trips. 

Learn More
Young campers work together to excavate fossil kits.

Astronomy Night

Saturday, April 11 | 5-9pm

Explore space and how science and science fiction interact with hands-on activities led by museum educators and community partners. This event is open to the public and included with admission. Advance tickets are not required. 

More Event Details

Promotional graphic for Astronomy Night at Morrill Hall on April 11.

Spring Membership Drive

Community Access Program

Each season members can join UNSM in supporting a local non-profit organization. The museum donates 2 free Morrill Hall passes for every membership purchased or renewed during the designated membership drive period. Additional passes can be donated at a discounted rate of 2 passes for $10. 

Spring Drive Partner: Apace
Apace offers new experiences and opportunities that enrich life for people with disabilities through independent living supports, day programs and job services. Every day, we inspire people to achieve and maintain independence. Apace is a place for individuals with disabilities to go that they can depend on. Seeing people as people, Apace connects individuals with disabilities to the resources they need to control (and celebrate) everyday life.

Our mission is to provide desired education and support to individuals with disabilities, promote safety and respect, and advocate for dignity and inclusion within the community. We are located in 16 counties in southeast Nebraska, supporting over 700 individuals.

Purchase/Renew My Membership
Promo graphic for the spring community access program drive with Apace logo

Education

Students examine a fossil of a plesiosaur jaw with an educator.

On-Site Programs

Explore the museum and exhibits in-person

  • Self-Guided Field Trips & Group Visits
  • Educator Led Field Trip Programs
  • Planetarium Shows
  • UNL Class Visits

LEARN MORE

Educator delivers a virtual field trip with mastodon tooth and fossils.

Distance Learning

Bring the museum directly to your classroom!

  • Virtual Field Trips
  • Science Chat Specials
  • Museum Kits
  • Educator Resources

Learn More

MUELLER PLANETARIUM

Explore Science and the Universe

Mueller Planetarium is located inside Morrill Hall. Shows are available to the public on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, with the exception of home football game days. Tickets may be purchased on site at Morrill Hall's front desk. Planetarium tickets do not include Morrill Hall admission, which is requried to access the planetarium. 

A globe graphic is projected on the fulldome of the Mueller Planetarium.

Become a Member

Explore more, save more, experience more across all UNSM sites with a museum membership. 

  • Unlimited access to Morrill Hall, Ashfall Fossil Beds, Trailside Museum
  • Discounts in the Discovery Gift Shop and Curious Curator Cafe
  • Discounts on birthday parties, planetarium shows, camps, and ticketed events
  • FREE access to monthly and annual events like Sunday with a Scientist and Dinosaurs & Disasters
  • Reciprocal access to dozens of science centers across the U.S. through the ASTC Passport Program

Upcoming Events