Museum of the Earth

The Museum of the Earth, located in Ithaca, New York, is a natural history museum that was opened in 2003. It is part of the Paleontological Research Institution (PRI), an independent organization that conducts research and education in the history of the Earth and its life. The museum is formally affiliated with Cornell University, a prestigious institution known for its research and academic excellence.

Permanent Exhibits at the Museum of the Earth

The Museum of the Earth features several permanent exhibits that are of significant interest to visitors. These include 'North Atlantic Right Whale 2030', which tells the story of a right whale that was tragically entangled in fishing gear; 'Rock of Ages, Sands of Time', a series of mural paintings representing the last 544 million years of history; and 'A Journey Through Time', which leads visitors through four billion years of history from the Big Bang to the present day.

Discovery Labs at the Museum of the Earth

The Museum of the Earth's Discovery Labs offer visitors the chance to engage in hands-on learning and exploration. These include the Prep Lab, where scientists can be observed preparing specimens for research and display; the Fossil Lab, where visitors can search for and identify fossils in local shale; and the Dino Zone, a dinosaur-themed play and learning area for young children.