BE ADVISED: The Natural History Museum will be closing at 3:30 PM on Wednesday, November 13 in preparation for a staff event. Please plan your visit accordingly.

The Rotunda

Admire the Three Graces statue, crowned by a stained glass dome

rotunda at NHM

Walk back in time over 100 years to stand in the beautifully restored Haaga Family Rotunda, the museum’s original Beaux Arts entrance. Take time to bathe in the soft, glowing light of the sweeping stained glass dome created by Walter Horace Judson, and stand beside the inspiring Three Graces statue by Julia Bracken Wendt, one of Los Angeles’ first prominent sculptors.
 

Museum 1913 building

The original entrance to the museum in 1913.

Eagle sculpture on Museum's 1913 building

This restored sculpture of an eagle sits atop the museum's original entrance.

Concert in Rotunda

Take in the Rotunda's space!

Display case in the Rotunda

Rotating exhibitions encircle both floors of the Rotunda.

Stained glass dome of Rotunda

Look up to see the antique stained glass skylight.

Statue of Three Graces in Rotunda

The muses of Art, Science, and History hold aloft this light.

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The original entrance to the museum in 1913.

This restored sculpture of an eagle sits atop the museum's original entrance.

Take in the Rotunda's space!

Rotating exhibitions encircle both floors of the Rotunda.

Look up to see the antique stained glass skylight.

The muses of Art, Science, and History hold aloft this light.

While relaxing in the Rotunda, you can:

  • Grab a quick souvenir from the Dino Store.
  • Explore rotating exhibits that feature specimens from across the museum’s wide collection.
  • Take a break from the indoors for some fresh air in the Nature Gardens.