The La Brea Tar Pits is an area in the American city of Los Angeles where asphalt seeps from the ground to the surface. This unique geological phenomenon has led to the area being designated as a park. The tar pits are a fascinating sight to behold, with the asphalt appearing to bubble up from the ground.
The finds from the tar pits are displayed in the Page Museum, which is part of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. The museum showcases a wide range of fossils, including those of mammals, insects, and plants from the Ice Age, providing a glimpse into the area's past when it had a much colder and wetter climate.
Among the extinct species found in the tar pits are the mammoth, giant wolf, short-faced bear, ground sloth, cave lion, and the saber-toothed tiger, which has been adopted as the state fossil by the state of California. These fossils provide a fascinating insight into the diverse wildlife that once roamed the area.
Nature & Natural History Animals Geology
#22 Nature & Natural History in United States #18 Animal museums in United States #6 Geology museums in United States #2 Nature & Natural History in Los Angeles #2 Animal museums in Los Angeles #5 Nature & Natural History in California #4 Animal museums in California #1 Geology museums in California
Monday | 9:30 – 17:00 |
Tuesday | 9:30 – 17:00 |
Wednesday | 9:30 – 17:00 |
Thursday | 9:30 – 17:00 |
Friday | 9:30 – 17:00 |
Saturday | 9:30 – 17:00 |
Sunday | 9:30 – 17:00 |
Closed the first Tuesday of every month.
5801 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles
No exhibitions in Page Museum - La Brea Tar Pits have been found.
Page Museum - La Brea Tar Pits has 1 rating.
The Page Museum at the La Brea Tar Pits offers visitors a unique look into prehistoric Los Angeles. Located in the heart of the city, this museum showcases an impressive collection of Ice Age fossils excavated from the adjacent tar pits.
Visitors consistently praise the well-preserved skeletal remains, particularly the impressive display of mammoths, saber-toothed cats, and dire wolves. The museum's exhibits effectively balance scientific information with engaging presentations, making it accessible for both adults and children. Many reviewers appreciate the opportunity to watch paleontologists at work in the visible laboratory.
The outdoor tar pits and excavation sites add an extra layer of interest, allowing guests to see firsthand where the fossils are found. Some visitors note the pungent smell of tar in certain areas, which, while authentic, can be off-putting to some.
While most find the museum's content captivating, a few reviewers mention that it's relatively small and can be thoroughly explored in a couple of hours. Some also feel that certain areas of the exhibits could benefit from updates or renovations.
Despite its compact size, the Page Museum offers a valuable educational experience, providing insights into Los Angeles' prehistoric past and the ongoing process of paleontological discovery. It's generally considered a worthwhile visit for those interested in natural history, though expectations should be set for a focused rather than expansive museum experience.
This rating is based on the rating of this museum on several other platforms.
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