NHM Commons Opening Day Celebration

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NHM Commons Opening Day Celebration

Celebrate the opening of the Natural History Museum’s new wing, NHM Commons! Dive into a world of creativity, curiosity, and community with this daylong, outdoor-indoor, Museum-wide festival.

Activities include: 

• Block Party – Keep the energy high on the new Plaza for a Community Resource Fair, food trucks, and music!
• Live Performances and Engaging Discussions – Be entertained and inspired in the brand-new Commons Theater.
• Meet NHM Scientists – Chat with the experts and delve into their fascinating stories.
• Up-close Collection Previews – Take part in scientist meet n’ greets and experience treasures from our collections up close.
• Hands-on Activities and Artist Workshops – Enjoy creative and interactive opportunities for all.

Opening Day Celebration Zones

Explore each Zone to navigate your experience across the Museum and discover new things about Los Angeles along the way. 

The Commons Zone

Walk the Block
Location: Commons Plaza 
Discover local organizations, neighboring cultural institutions, music, food trucks, and more.

• Special  Programs
  • 12:30 pm | Musical Procession led by LA Commons
  • 4 pm | Dance Lesson by Queerchata on the Commons Plaza
  • DJs and Music: KCRW DJ Tyler Boudreaux, DJ Linda Nuves

NHM Commons Theater *Wristband required to attend
Location: NHM Commons, Level 1
Be among the first to experience live performances, talks, and more in the new NHM Commons Theater! Move to the rhythms of regional dance groups, get inspired with engaging discussions, and join a special Community Ceremony celebrating the opening of the new NHM Commons. 

• Theater Schedule
  • 11 am | Talk – Gnatalie the Green Dinosaur: From Ground to Mount with Dr. Luis Chiappe, Erika Durazo, and Stephanie Abramowicz 
  • 12 pm | Talk – Painting L.A. History: A Mexican Perspective with muralist Barbara Carrasco 
  • 1 pm | Community Ceremony and Performance by Tierra Blanca Arts Center
  • 2:30 pm | A Place Called Home presents 29 Live and the APCH Dance Ensemble 
  • 3:30 pm |  Dance Performance by Kim Eung Hwa & Korean Dance Academy

Judith Perlstein Welcome Center
Location: NHM Commons, Level 2
Enjoy the Judith Perlstein Welcome Center, the Museum’s portal to never-ending exploration and discovery, featuring brand-new exhibits that are free and open to the public.

• See Gnatalie, the Green Dino, a new long-neck dinosaur measuring more than 70 feet.
• View Barbara Carrasco’s landmark mural, L.A.  History: A Mexican Perspective.
• Purchase tickets to continue the fun with additional experiences and activities inside the museum. 

Collection Connections Zone

Location: Grand Foyer 
Explore our newest exhibitions and see behind-the-scenes Museum specimens and artifacts.

L.A.’s Backyard Zone

Location: Nature Lab 
Explore live animals and hands-on interactives to show you L.A.’s wild side.

Crafts & Creations Zone

Location: Nature Gardens 
Unleash your inner artist in these hands-on workshops from local art organizations and shop from local vendors.     

• Special  Programs
  • DJs and Music: Beat Junkie Institute of Sound/Ladies of Sound 
  • Meet and Greet with Buddy the Dinosaur from PBS's Dinosaur Train: Hop on board the 'Dinosaur Train' to learn about natural science, natural history, and paleontology.

Grow L.A. Zone

Location: Edible Garden 
Grow your love of plants by meeting the Museum’s Horticulture Team and shopping with fellow plant enthusiasts.

Quiet Zone 

Location: North American Mammal Hall, Level 2 
Take a break in this designated quiet area to help you relax and recharge. 
 

Other Event Information

Admission

The event is free with general admission. Events on the Commons Plaza and Theater will be free to the public on this day. Members always receive free general admission.

Parking Information

Parking will be available in the BLUE STRUCTURE PARKING LOT at 700 Exposition Park Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90037. For more information, see Parking and Directions.

Accessibility

We aim to make NHM an exciting, educational, and enjoyable experience for everyone. If you have any questions about your visit and our services, contact our Call Center at 213.763.3466 or info@nhm.org. ASL Services will be provided for talks taking place in the Commons Theater.  For more information, see Accessibility.

Dining

Enjoy family-friendly food options at the Neighborhood Grill (located on Level G), The Commons Cafe, and select food trucks on this day. For more information, see Shopping and Dining.