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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

Newly Renovated Marx Discovery Center

Now Open | Third 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. 

A mural between two windows depicts a wolf on grass with a sunset. The mural is above a magnet wall with tubes and balls simulating animal burrows. A replica beaver dam and lodge are in the background.

Fall Break Discovery Day Camps

Registration Now Open

Let your children spend their break enjoying hands-on science, exploring the museum and outdoors with our educators, and meeting actual researchers. Camps are available for ages 6-11. This year's topics include Remarkable Reptiles, Junior Paleontologist, and Modern Dinosaurs (Birds!). Space in each camp is limited. 

Register Now
Three children examine a tray of fossils with an animal skull at the center. All the children are wearing matching orange camp shirts.

Sunday with a Scientist: Pyrotechnology in the Past

September 20 | 12-3pm

Celebrate Nebraska Archaeology Month with professional archeologists as we explore how people in the past used the different properties of fire (heat, smoke, steam, and light) to make tools, cook and preserve food, and shape the landscape. See artifacts from Nebraska, solve puzzles, and learn how Nebraska archaeology is FIRE!

Activities are included with admission. 

Flames and smoke on a blurred background with "Sunday With a Scientist" logo featuring a magnifying glass.

Elephant Hall Renovation Project

Students on a field trip examine fossil mammoths and write notes on clipboards with a museum educator.
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. 

Learn More

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
  • 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