NHM Insider Tour
Date
Thursday–Saturday, 11 am
Location
Tickets
Adult: $145 | $120 for Members
Child: $125 | $100 for Members
General Admission to the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles included with tour booking.
Limited spots available. Advance reservations recommended.
NHM Insider Tour
Step into a world millions of years in the making with an exclusive behind the scenes Insider Tour at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County.
Our first season takes you inside NHM’s world-famous dinosaur collection. Get to know the hidden stories behind some of the Museum’s most iconic on-view dinosaurs, then continue your journey to the storied 4th floor for a rare visit to our Dinosaur Institute.
There, you’ll see one-of-a-kind fossils firsthand and hear from paleontologists about their current research, gaining unique insights into the prehistoric world. You’lll also visit the lab where fossils are prepared and see the meticulous work that brings ancient animals from the field into the Museum’s collection.
It’s a rare behind-the-scenes experience for dino enthusiasts and anyone who has ever wondered what happens beyond the Museum’s galleries.
Along the Way, You'll:
- Get an up-close look at Gnatalie, the museum’s newest and largest dinosaur, the most complete sauropod skeletal mount on the West Coast, and the only green-colored fossil specimen on the planet.
- Uncover the untold stories behind our dinosaurs, from discovery to display. Learn how fossils are excavated, prepared, and mounted.
- Experience the world’s only Tyrannosaurus rex growth series, featuring a baby, juvenile, and sub-adult T. rex, and learn what these remarkable fossils reveal about how our understanding of dinosaurs has changed over time.
- Go behind the scenes at the Dinosaur Institute for a rare look at the latest dinosaur research. Move through our collection and stacks of specimens, hear directly from experts, and see fossil preparation in action.
Museum admission included
What to Wear
This tour takes place indoors. All participants must wear closed-toed shoes suitable for walking. We will be visiting collections and workshop areas. Please wear comfortable clothes that you don’t mind getting a little dusty. The Natural History Museum is not responsible for any damages to clothing that occur while on campus, so please plan accordingly.
What to Expect
This 75-minute walking tour takes place in museum gallery and workshop spaces. Total walking is just under 0.5 miles. Seating is not available at all tour stops. Restrooms are available at the beginning and end of the tour. Anyone leaving the tour at any point for any reason may not be able to access all scheduled tour stops. No refunds will be given.
Where to Park
Limited parking will be available in the NHM Car Park on Bill Robertson Lane. Additional parking is available in the Blue Structure Parking lot. Visit Parking and Directions for more information.
The Natural History Museum is near various public transportation options. Please consider taking the Metro or other rideshare options.
Where to Meet
Check in with Guest Relations at the Judith Perlstein Welcome Center at NHM. Have your tickets either printed out or ready on your mobile device to be scanned once you arrive. Please arrive on time. Guests arriving more than 10 minutes late may not be able to join their scheduled tour. No refunds will be given.
NHM Insider Tour is open to individuals seven (7) years of age and older. Children 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, with a maximum ratio of three children per adult. Parents or legal guardians will be required to sign a waiver for all minors in their group. All adults 18+ must sign an individual waiver.