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

BE ADVISED: On Saturday, October 3, the LA Memorial Coliseum will host the USC vs. Washington football game. Kickoff is at 4:30 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.

BE ADVISED: Due to a heat advisory, Spider Pavilion will be closed today (October 3) and Sunday, October 4. For questions or to reschedule your visit, please email info@nhm.org.

Life in the Ocean

Close up of Polychaetes, black background

Our California coast is home to an amazing array of creatures, from whales, seals, and fish, to tiny critters like crabs, fan worms, and nudibranchs.

Our researchers are devoted to better understanding our coastal communities — both now and in the past — and the thousands of animals that live (or lived) there.