Connecting people to the wonders of nature for over 100 years
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What’s Happening at the Museum Right Now
Treasured Trees: The Story of Coast Redwoods
June 14 – November 18, 2025Delve into the rich natural history of California’s coast redwoods, beloved ancient giants with a uniquely local story. This exhibit celebrates the importance of these rare trees, their history, and the diverse ecosystems they support, with a look to their future in the face of climate change. Through the gorgeous artwork of Jane Kim, historic artifacts and specimens, and hands-on activities, embrace the central coast’s most treasured trees.
Bright Future Campaign
Join us!We humbly invite every fan of the Museum to join us in building the Museum’s Bright Future as we raise funds to renovate, modernize, and expand Santa Cruz’s oldest museum. The Bright Future campaign will advance our immersive exhibits, programs, and collections, sustaining and deepening the love of nature and learning held by all who visit us. As a transformational investment in our mission, the campaign brings an opportunity to reflect on what the Museum means to each of us, and how it impacts our lives and communities.
Educational Resources
Connecting kids to nature & inspiring future scientists
The Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History is a leader in environmental education in Santa Cruz County, serving more than 30,000 children and adults each year. From programs inside our galleries and out in nature, to rentable resources and free curriculum, we are committed to making natural history fun and accessible to the community.
Dig Deeper Into Local Natural History
