Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum
A free, expansive natural history museum on BYU campus featuring incredible animal dioramas and interactive exhibits for all ages.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A free, expansive natural history museum on BYU campus featuring incredible animal dioramas and interactive exhibits for all ages.
"A hidden gem offering a fantastic, free way to entertain kids and animal lovers alike with its updated displays."
🚗 Free Parking Available
Register your car at the front desk for complimentary parking during your visit.
👨👩👧 Stroller-Friendly Access
The museum is clean, spacious, and easily navigable with strollers, perfect for families.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.8 · 1,978 reviews
Type
Museum
Website
lsm.byu.eduHighlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Majestic Animal Dioramas
Main Exhibition Halls
Marvel at life-sized, taxidermied animals from around the globe, including impressive elephants and giraffes.
Diverse Bird and Insect Collections
Exhibition Halls
Discover an astonishing variety of bird and insect species, showcasing the rich biodiversity of our planet.
Interactive Learning Zones
Various Exhibits
Engage with hands-on displays, a thrilling slide, and a unique bus exhibit that captivates younger visitors.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Free Admission
Plan for Interactive Fun
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Places to Explore on Campus
Since arriving at BYU, I have been fascinated how many buildings there are here. I feel like there would be come cool places on campus to go explore. What are some cool places on campus you know of that would be fun to go check out? (Ex. the roof of the JFSB, the view from the…
🚗 Free Parking Available
Register your car at the front desk for complimentary parking during your visit.
👨👩👧 Stroller-Friendly Access
The museum is clean, spacious, and easily navigable with strollers, perfect for families.
The human evolution displays at BYU's Bean Life Science Museum
Evolution has been a favorite topic of mine for a long time. I wrote a chapter for my family history book about the evolution of life through to Homo sapians (more than half of it was on Hominin development). But as a Physicist and not a Biologist, I remain an amateur…
🎁 Small Gift Shop
Browse science-themed toys, books, and souvenirs near the entrance.
🤫 Ask About Special Access
Inquire at the front desk about any behind-the-scenes or special viewing opportunities.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Free Parking Available
Register your car at the front desk for complimentary parking during your visit.
👨👩👧 Stroller-Friendly Access
The museum is clean, spacious, and easily navigable with strollers, perfect for families.
🎁 Small Gift Shop
Browse science-themed toys, books, and souvenirs near the entrance.
🤫 Ask About Special Access
Inquire at the front desk about any behind-the-scenes or special viewing opportunities.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum as a surprisingly large and well-curated free attraction. Its extensive collection of taxidermied animals, interactive exhibits, and family-friendly atmosphere make it a standout destination. While some may not expect much from a free museum, reviewers are often delighted by the quality and scope of the exhibits, making it a highly recommended spot for both kids and adults.
"Such a cool FREE way to entertain kiddos (fun for adult animal lovers too!) It's also been redone, it's not the same as its old 70's look, beautiful building! I like that the animals are stationary too, the zoo you pay a bunch and often can't see the animals well. Super cool byu does this for free thank you!! There's a fun slide and bus exhibit too which our kiddo loved. I loved the gospel messages scattered throughout the museum too! There's a cool story time area to the left as you enter that I want to bring our kiddo back I think it said Tu Th"
Drew Hunt
"The Bean Life Science Museum is a hidden gem located on the campus of BYU, and it's free and family friendly.
From the moment you walk in, you're greeted with displays of mounted animals, including an elephant and two giraffes. The museum features an huge collection of taxidermied animals and birds from around the world. There are also displays of insects and fish etc. The displays are well-maintained, combining information with engaging visuals. Kids and adults a like love the interactive exhibits.
The museum is clean, spacious, and stroller-friendly, making it ideal for families. There’s also a small gift shop near the entrance with science-themed toys, books, and souvenirs.
Free Parking is available, you just need to register your car with the person at the front desk."
Lorraine Mourning
"What a fun museum for adults and kids. If you love animals, you will love this! I never knew there were so many duck and geese species until visiting here. Its free!!!!"
Jeaneal Bell
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum is located on the Brigham Young University (BYU) campus. Visitors can typically drive and park on campus. Free parking is available by registering your car at the front desk.
While specific public transport routes can vary, BYU campus is generally accessible via local bus services. Check with your local transit authority for the most up-to-date routes and schedules.
Free parking is available for museum visitors. You'll need to register your vehicle at the front desk upon arrival to receive a parking pass.
The museum is situated within the BYU campus. Following campus signage or using a campus map should help you locate it easily.
No, parking at the Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum is free for visitors who register their car at the front desk.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum offers completely free admission, making it an accessible attraction for everyone.
No advance booking is required for general admission as the museum is free. You can typically walk in during operating hours.
Operating hours can vary, so it's always best to check the official Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum website or contact them directly for the most current information.
Weekend hours can differ from weekday hours. It's recommended to verify the museum's schedule online or by phone before your visit.
Generally, the museum's main attractions and exhibits are included with free admission. Special events, if any, would typically be announced on their official channels.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Expect a vast collection of taxidermied animals, birds, insects, and fish from around the world, presented in dioramas and displays. There are also interactive exhibits, a slide, and a bus exhibit.
Absolutely! It's a very family-friendly museum with interactive elements, a slide, and engaging displays that children love. It's a great educational outing for kids.
Yes, the museum features interactive exhibits designed to engage visitors of all ages, including a fun slide and a bus exhibit.
The museum is described as clean, spacious, and stroller-friendly, making it easy for families with young children to navigate.
Photography is generally permitted for personal use, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific signage or ask staff if flash photography is allowed, especially near delicate exhibits.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography for personal use is generally allowed inside the museum. However, always be mindful of any posted signs regarding flash photography or specific exhibit restrictions.
The large animal dioramas, especially the elephant and giraffe exhibits, offer impressive photo opportunities. The diverse bird and insect collections also provide visually rich subjects.
Tripod usage policies can vary. It's advisable to inquire with museum staff upon arrival to ensure you comply with their guidelines, as tripods can sometimes obstruct pathways.
Drone photography is almost certainly not permitted inside any museum, especially on a university campus. This is for safety and security reasons.
The museum is well-lit to showcase the exhibits. While generally good for photos, some areas might have dimmer lighting for preservation purposes.
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