Tucked within the University of Georgia’s East Campus in Athens, the Georgia Museum of Natural History is a fascinating hub of scientific discovery and cultural preservation. Recognized as the official state museum of natural history, it houses over 7 million specimens across fourteen diverse collections—from ancient artifacts and pressed plants to rare birds, fish, and insects. A joint effort of UGA departments and dedicated conservationists, the museum brings Georgia’s rich natural and anthropological history to life through research, education, and rotating exhibits.

Recommended for

Science enthusiasts
Explore rare zoological specimens, fossils, and Georgia’s native flora and fauna

History and culture buffs
Discover over 12,000 years of human history in the Southeast’s largest anthropology collection

Families and school groups
Engage in interactive tours, hands-on science boxes, and rotating exhibits for all ages

Educators and researchers
Access UGA-led programs, internships, and teaching tools for the classroom and fieldwork

Things to Experience

  • Anthropology Collection: Over 4 million artifacts tracing 12,000 years of human activity in Georgia
  • Natural Science Collections: Mammals, birds, fish, amphibians, reptiles, insects, and more, including rare and extinct species
  • Rotating Exhibits: Past shows include “Insectival,” “Rainforest Festival,” and “Leopards, Hyenas, and Bears – Oh My!”
  • Science Box Project: Classroom-ready specimen kits available for off-site educational programming

Special Highlights

  • Official State Museum: Designated by the Georgia General Assembly in 1999
  • Herbarium & Botanical Research: Over 230,000 preserved plant samples support state conservation efforts
  • Ornithology Treasures: Over 5,000 bird skins and rare eggs from Central America and beyond
  • Community Outreach: Public events, teacher workshops, and digital tools like the “Habitats of Georgia” map

Plan Your Visit

Address: 101 Cedar Street, Athens, GA 30602
Phone: 706-542-1663
Website: naturalhistory.uga.edu

Map:


Plan Your Trip