We are open today from 9:30 am to 5 pm.

BE ADVISED: On Saturday, September 19, the Natural History Museum will close at 3 pm due to nearby events and road closures. For more information or to reschedule your visit, email info@nhm.org or call 213.763.DINO.

Movies Under the Microscope

Film Screening

Movies Under the Microscope

Join us for a special series of screenings featuring expert-led discussions, lively pre-screening receptions, and a fun look at what 80s sci-fi got both right and hilariously wrong.

Step back into the 80s, a decade where sci-fi blockbusters and quirky cult classics tackled real scientific marvels, Cold War fears, and predictions for the future. Join us for a special series of screenings featuring expert-led discussions, lively pre-screening receptions, and a fun look at what 80s sci-fi got both right and hilariously wrong.

What to Expect

  • Screenings of cult classic science fiction films from the 80s
  • An engaging post screening discussion with special guests including scientists, creators, and pop culture experts.
  • Pre-Screening activities in the lobby: a live all-vinyl 80s DJ set from mikecmusic, specially curated items from NHM’s History collection, and special pop-ups from Fanbase Press, 1984 Vintage, and I & S Vintage and Collectables

Upcoming Screenings

Movies Under the Microscope: Explorers 2-card callout

October 16: Explorers (1985) 

Featuring guests Dr. Clifford V. Johnson, theoretical physicist and professor at the University of California, Santa Barbara and science consultant on Avengers: Endgame and Star Trek: Discovery, Barbra Dillon, co-founder and editor-in-chief of Fanbase Press, and Lee Supercinski, producer for Futurama.

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Movies Under the Microscope: Real Genius 2-card callout

October 22: Real Genius (1985)

Featuring guests Dr. David Saltzberg, Professor of Physics and Astronomy at UCLA and science consultant on The Big Bang Theory and Oppenheimer, Cody Ziglar, comic and writer for Futurama and Rick and Morty, and Jason Patrick Galit, Lead Consultant for InterMyth and Pop Culture Educator.

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