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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.
Museum Happenings
Newly Renovated Marx Discovery Center
Now Open | First Floor
Explore all nature has to offer in the newly renovated Marx Discovery Center. It's Nature's Builders theme allows young visitors to engage in hands-on exploration of animal engineers like beavers and honeybees. They can dig for fossils in the sandbox, or try building their own burrow on the burrow magnet wall. Come learn and play at the same time.
In Search of Earth's Secrets
New Exhibit | Open 3rd Floor
Explore the newest pop up exhibit at Morrill Hall. Explore what lies beneath the ocean's waters; what the sub-seafloor's rocks and sediments can reveal about Earth's development and ancient history; and how these explorations can help us comprehend phenomena like climate change, earthquakes, and tsunamis. The exhibit is built around research conducted by JOIDES Resolution, the flagship research vessel for the International Ocean Discovery Program.
Eight Legged Encounters
Sunday, July 12 | 12-3:30pm
Join UNL's Hebets' Laboratory and other arachnologists (scientists who study spiders) for an afternoon of fun, hands-on exploration about the world of spiders. The event includes artwork, games, crafts, and other activities to help visitors learn about spiders and their lesser-known relatives.
Activities are included with admission.
Blue Star Museums Admission
Valid through Labor Day
Morrill Hall is proud to be a Blue Star Museum facility. From now through Labor Day, active duty military and their families, including National Guard and Reserves receive free admission to the museum. Blue Star Museums access is also available at our sister sites: Ashfall Fossil Beds (Royal, Neb.) and Trailside Museum (Crawford, Neb.).
Elephant Hall Renovation Project
Elephant Hall Renovation
Join the adventure as we build the Elephant Hall of the future. Learn more about where the museum is in the fundraising process, renovation plans, and follow along as the project progresses.
This project will be the largest renovation to Elephant Hall in the museum's history! Help us prepare to share science with visitors for the next 100 years.
Education
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
Distance Learning
Bring the museum directly to your classroom!
- Virtual Field Trips
- Science Chat Specials
- Educator Resources
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.
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