Hey San Diego! The NAT (San Diego Natural History Museum) is turning 150, and they’ve planned an epic celebration you won’t want to miss!

All Summer, Beginning May 24

Exhibition Opening: Action from the Archives
The research team has dug deep into the archives for some one-of-a-kind photos of the unforgettable people who helped make The Nat what it is today. 150 years of history packed into 150 feet! Click here to learn more!

Garden Opening: Nature Trail
Stroll through the newly opened native plant garden, a serene spot to enjoy San Diego’s unique flora right in the heart of the city.

Summer of Wonder Begins

Nat at Night: The best weekends start in Balboa Park. On Fridays, admission is half-price after 5 PM. You can explore all four floors, then hit the roof for a spectacular San Diego sunset view, a TGIF cocktail, and small bites from Wolf in the Woods. Click here to learn more.

Weekends of Wonder (through September 2): Explore the Museum with special animal encounters, storytime, and activities from community partners. There are different offerings every Saturday and Sunday.

June 29: Garden Fair and T. Rex Film Premiere

Garden Fair: Among the flora and fauna of the museum’s garden, you can meet community partners, learn more about planting native, pick up seeds to jumpstart your own garden, play a GIANT game of chutes and ladders that focuses on Southern California wildlife, enter raffles, and more!

T. Rex: Perfect for dinosaur lovers of all ages. Teaming up with leading tyrannosaur experts and visionary artists, this film is the ultimate T. Rex documentary. This family-friendly film gets you up close and personal with the king himself and his fearsome Cretaceous counterparts. Find more info here.

September 13: Secret Society of Adultologists

For the 21+ crowd, this event is your chance to experience The NAT in a whole new way. Part social club, part exclusive museum access—perfect for a unique night out!

September 27: Big Birthday Bash

This isn’t your typical gala. Expect a lively and unexpected celebration as The NAT throws a big birthday bash to remember.

October 8: Members-Only Night Birthday Edition

If you’re a member, you’re in for a treat. Enjoy an exclusive evening filled with special activities and surprises.

October 18: Nat at Night Birthday Edition

The celebrations continue with a special birthday edition of Nat at Night. Experience the museum in a festive atmosphere.

October 19: Big Birthday Block Party

Join the ultimate birthday party with activities inside and outside the museum. Plus, get a sneak peek of the new Paleontology Center—exciting stuff for all ages!

October 23: Nat Talk—Look What We Found in the Archives

Dive deep into the museum’s history with this intriguing talk that reveals hidden treasures from The NAT’s extensive archives.

November: Film Premiere Wild San Diego

Wrap up the celebration with the premiere of “Wild San Diego,” a film showcasing the incredible wildlife that calls our city home.

See you there!

It’s going to be a memorable summer at The NAT filled with history, nature, and fun for all ages. Don’t miss out on these fantastic events—let’s make this a birthday bash to remember!

San Diego Natural History Museum is located at 1788 El Prado, Balboa Park, San Diego.

To know more about The NAT’s 150th Anniversary, visit the website here.

See you there, San Diego!