Welcome to the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, a cornerstone of cultural and scientific exploration nestled within Exposition Park. As you approach this historic site, let’s journey back to its origins. Established in 1913, the museum owes its existence to William Miller Bowen, a local attorney and Sunday school teacher, who campaigned for its creation to counter the less savory activities that had taken root in the area’s past as an agricultural fairground.
The museum’s foundation stone was laid in a grand ceremony attended by dignitaries such as Mayor George Alexander and future California Governor William H. Stephens. Designed by architects Frank Hudson and William A.D. Munsell, the building is an architectural tapestry of styles, featuring Spanish Renaissance, Romanesque, and Beaux-Arts elements. Its centerpiece, the majestic rotunda, houses the ‘Three Muses’ statue by Julia Bracken Wendt, encased in Italian marble and mosaic tiles.
In its early days, the museum shared space with other local cultural institutions and quickly became a hub for historical, scientific, and artistic exhibits. One of its most significant acquisitions was the exclusive rights to excavate the prehistoric remains from the nearby La Brea Tar Pits, which continues to be an active urban fossil site today.
Over the decades, the museum evolved, expanding its collections and facilities. In the 1960s, the art collections were relocated to form what is now the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, allowing the Natural History Museum to focus on its scientific and cultural exhibits. The museum underwent a significant renovation in 2009, restoring its historic architecture while enhancing its exhibition spaces.
Today, the museum is not just a repository of the past; it’s a dynamic institution that engages with current environmental and cultural issues. From its celebrated Dinosaur Hall to the immersive exhibitions on the Ice Age, the museum offers a window into the natural world and our place within it. Notable personalities, from scientists to educators, have walked its halls, adding to its rich tapestry of stories.
As you continue your exploration, imagine the bustling energy of the early 20th century when the museum first opened its doors, and consider its enduring role in educating and inspiring generations about the wonders of our natural world.
