Our museums will be closed until further notice to minimize the spread of COVID-19. Our first priority is the well-being and safety of our guests, staff and volunteers. Stay up to date with NHMLAC's response to COVID-19.​​​ Nuestros museos estarán cerrados hasta nuevo aviso para minimizar la propagación del COVID-19. Ve la respuesta de NHMLAC ante el coronavirus (COVID-19).

collection of shells malacology research and collections NHM

Research and Collections

Photograph of Butterfly specimens in the NHM collection

Our Collections

NHM has, wait for it, 35 million real objects and artifacts. Explore them online!

See what we've got
Jann Vendetti sorting speciments UNRC

Our Research

There are dozens of scientists and historians on staff, protecting our records of the planet, and making new discoveries all the time.

What our experts are up to

R&C Highlights

Photograph of kids using magnifying glasses to look at NHM collection items

Community Science at NHM

Explore L.A. Nature

Research & Collections News

See all stories
Oculudentavis, tiny dinosaur trapped in amber

A Tiny Dinosaur and a Big Discovery

Meet the tiny dinosaur
Our Research Departments

Our Research Departments

Learn More

Our positions, policies, and processes 

Our collections operations are governed by our institutional collections policies.

To request a loan or plan a visit to the collections, please contact the department that holds the materials you’re interested in using. 

Statement on Evolution
Statement on Climate Change