Fernbank Museum of Natural History in Atlanta

What are the highlights of the Fernbank Museum of Natural History?

The giant dinosaur skeletons are the centrepiece of the Giants of the Mesozoic exhibit, which fills the museum’s Great Hall. The Argentinosaurus is shown being attacked by a carnivorous Giganotosaurus, while 24 flying dinosaurs scatter overhead. It’s intended to represent a scene that could have played out in Patagonia during the Cretaceous Period, between 145 and 65 million years ago.

The museum’s signature exhibition is called A Walk Through Time in Georgia. Combining 15 galleries as well as theatres and dioramas, it shows the development of the planet’s natural history through the more approachable scope of just Georgia’s progress. The state makes a surprisingly good demonstration of the transformations brought about by millions of years passing, with the ancient rocks of Piedmont to the comparatively young coastline and barrier islands.

For a look at the human element of natural history, the Reflections of Culture exhibit teaches visitors about different peoples from around the world, especially through their clothes, jewellery and body art. Meanwhile, Conveyed in Clay looks at how Native American societies adapted to changing situations and modified their pottery designs to suit new needs and circumstances.

Other exhibits in the Fernbank Museum of Natural History include Fantastic Forces, which uses interactive displays to teach science and engineering. NatureQuest is similarly interactive but features live animal displays and encounters. Head outdoors and you’ll find Dinosaur Plaza, with its giant bronze dinosaur statues, as well as the Fernbank Forest, the fascinating little Rain Garden, and more.

The museum has its own gift shop and a small cafe where you can buy snacks and drinks. Food and drinks are also available at the Fernbank After Dark events, along with science demonstrations. These events create a more adult-friendly museum experience on the second Friday evening of each month.

Good to know about Fernbank Museum of Natural History

The Fernbank Museum of Natural History is about 5 miles from the centre of Atlanta, east of Midtown and close to Emory University. Parking is available and is free, but space is limited. There is further parking available a couple of streets away, on S. Ponce De Leon Avenue.

If you're using public transport, you'll need to take the North/South Rail line to North Avenue or East Lake stations, then get bus #2. Ask the driver to drop you at the corner of Clifton Road and the museum will be a short walk away.

The museum is well-designed for accessibility, though some of the outdoor trails aren't suitable for wheelchairs. You can reduce the cost of getting into the Fernbank Museum of Natural History by getting the Atlanta CityPASS, which also gives you access to the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, Zoo Atlanta, and other noteworthy attractions in the city.