Open Presidents’ Day

Monday, February 20, 2023

10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Although the U-M Museum of Natural History is not currently open most Mondays, we will be open to the public on Monday, February 20, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Regular hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)

Feed your curiosity with hands-on activities in our galleries and labs, and Planetarium shows

Investigate Labs
11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

Use scientific tools and museum specimens to answer questions and solve problems inside the interactive Nature Lab and Micro Worlds Lab. Our labs offer activities most appropriate for ages 6 and up. 

New Program: A Splash of Microbe Science
11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

Did you know your local ponds are teeming with microbial life?  Prepare to look at these pond water microbes using a microscope inside the Micro Worlds Lab.  Hands-on activities include drawing, coloring, and identifying microbes. Ages: 5 and up

Planetarium & Dome Theater
Expanded menu of shows on Presidents' Day. Tickets $8. Available on the day of the show at the Museum Store.

10:30 a.m.  Larry Cat in Space
11:30 a.m.  Sea Monsters
12:30 p.m.  Sky Tonight
1:30 p.m.  Mars: One Thousand One
2:30 p.m.  Sky Tonight

Larry Cat In Space
Intended for young children, Larry Cat In Space is a playful, imaginative cartoon presentation about an inquisitive cat who takes a trip to the Moon. Through Larry's eyes, we observe his human family, and his owner Diana. Larry hides in Diana’s suitcase as she travels to her job on the Moon and experiences weightlessness. Once on the Moon, Larry observes how the Earth looks a lot like the Moon did from his porch back home.

Sea Monsters
The film follows a curious and adventurous Dolichorhynchops – familiarly known as a ‘dolly’ – as she travels through the most dangerous oceans in history. Along the way, she encounters long-necked plesiosaurs, giant turtles, enormous fish, fierce sharks, and the most dangerous sea monster of all– the mosasaur.

Sky Tonight
A live presentation on what to find in the sky tonight and for the coming few weeks. This presentation includes how to find the cardinal directions with the North Star, current and upcoming constellations, visible planets, a few deep sky objects depending on the season, and other interesting astronomical visualizations. If you want to be able to look up from your own backyard and know what to look for, this is the show for you.

Mars: One Thousand One
Mars: One Thousand One tells a story of what humans might face with the first manned journey to Mars. Reporter Miles O'Brien is reporting live from his Space Headquarters TV Studio in New York while events unfold for the crew on their 1001-day long mission. You will witness firsthand their brave attempts to put human footprints on Mars and return safely to Earth. This journey is made possible by the biggest engineering feat ever and loaded with scientific experiments.

Plan your visit

Scientist Spotlight 
@ AADL

Saturday, February 18, 2023

1:00–3:00 p.m.

Ann Arbor District Library, Downtown

343 South Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor

Free event, no registration required

Add event to calendar:
Google / Apple

Science Café: The Future of mRNA Vaccines

Wednesday, February 22, 2023

5:30–7:30 p.m.

Conor O’Neill’s Traditional Pub,

318 South Main Street, Ann Arbor

Add event to calendar:

Google / Apple