BE ADVISED: On Saturday 11/16, the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum will host the USC vs. Nebraska football game. Kickoff is at 1 pm. This event will impact traffic, parking, and wayfinding in the area due to street closures. Please consider riding the Metro E (Expo) Line and exiting at USC/Expo station.

Otis Booth Pavilion

Look up to see a real fin whale skeleton swimming through the air.

otis booth pavilion at night

A giant fin whale dives gracefully through this magical, light filled space to welcome visitors to the Otis Booth Pavilion, the museum’s north entrance. Crane your neck to marvel at the real skeleton of this native Californian whale, the second largest species on Earth. With two viewing floors, you can better appreciate the scale of this magnificent animal while visiting with your family and friends.

People walk across the bridge into the Otis Booth Pavilion at night

Welcome to NHM!

Fin whale skeleton in Otis Booth Pavilion

Peer up to the real skeleton of a giant fin whale.

People walking on bridge into Otis Booth Pavilion

Cross the bridge from the Nature Gardens into the museum.

Inside the Otis Booth Pavilion at night

Events can happen across two levels inside the Pavilion.

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Welcome to NHM!

Peer up to the real skeleton of a giant fin whale.

Cross the bridge from the Nature Gardens into the museum.

Events can happen across two levels inside the Pavilion.

While passing through, you can:

  • Meet your friends and family on your way into (or out of) the museum.
  • Learn how male fin whales attract mates.
  • Compare cool souvenirs you got from the gift store.