World Museum of Natural History

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Please read the following general statement:

The museum is open to the public every Saturday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Please check here for updates before visiting.
Take a tour and learn about La Sierra's unique exhibits! Bring the family! Displays of rare and exotic mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians; beautiful geological displays of minerals and gems, including one of the largest collections of mineral spheres in the world! FREE admission!
Reduced capacity of 25 guests at a time in the museum.
Located at E.E Cossentine Hall. Campus map: https://lasierra.edu/campus-map/

Please check the website or call (951) 785-2500 before visiting.

The World Museum of Natural History contains outstanding systematic displays of amphibians, birds, mammals and reptiles. Specimens prepared by sculpture and freeze-dry taxidermy are displayed in a lifelike manner.

Also on display is one of the world's largest and finest collections of mineral spheres. Rounding out the displays are gems and minerals, fluorescent minerals, meteorites and tektites, petrified wood, shells, American Indian artifacts, and contemplative stones (Suiseki).

Field Trip Reservations FREE admission

Mondays-Thursdays 9:00 am to 2:00 pm

The World Museum of Natural History especially welcomes church groups, senior citizens, nature societies and school groups. All tours must be booked one month in advance. Please have the following information ready: requested tour date, name of group, address, phone number, grade level and name of teacher (for school groups), and size of the group. The shortest visit to the museum would take one-half hour but one hour or more is typical.

The museum is open to class tours on a reservation basis only. Please call at (951) 785-2500 during regular business hours (Mon-Thurs 8am to 5pm and Fridays 8am to noon) or email us at advancement@lasierra.edu to arrange a tour.

The Museum is located in Cossentine Hall on the campus of La Sierra University, 4500 Riverwalk Parkway, Riverside, CA. Enter the campus on Campus Drive from the intersection of Pierce St. and Sierra Vista Ave. and park in the Cossentine Hall parking lot (see map for more details).

All tours are a free service of La Sierra University. The Museum appreciates the support it receives and welcomes the opportunity to serve the community. Donations are accepted.

Collection Highlights

GEMS AND MINERALS:

The mineral displays are frequently rotated and updated. Displays typically include the following: minerals from California, meteorites and tektites, fluorescent minerals, and an impressive display of showy gems.

TREES:

There are more than 100 species of trees that have been naturalized to the campus, which is officially recognized as an arboretum.

PETRIFIED WOOD:

The unique colors of petrified wood are created by the minerals brought in by the water that surrounds the tree once the wood is buried. The collection contains specimens mainly from the Western U.S.

Amphibians & Reptiles:

Our amphibians and reptiles display features turtles, tortoises, lizards, and snakes. The museum has over 90% of known species of crocodilians.

Birds:

The Southeast Asian Bird display is the largest of its kind in the U.S., along with various birds from around the world to see. The museum features fascinating birds of prey: vultures, condors, falcons, hawks, and eagles.

Mammals:

Many of the Asian species featured in this museum do not appear in any other U.S. museum. Also to be seen are different species of primates and carnivores.

Mineral Spheres:

The most beautiful and unique specimens from one of the largest collections of spheres are on display. The large verde antique sphere from Victorville weighs 396 pounds. The museum has more than 1,300 spheres in its collection.