The Perot Museum of Nature and Science is a natural history museum in West Dallas, Texas. It is located near the intersection of Mockingbird Lane and Loop 12 (the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge). The facility was designed by James P. Harris & Associates Inc., with the assistance of Good Fulton & Farrell Architects, Inc.
The Perot Museum features exhibits about animals, nature, science topics such as earthquakes and volcanoes; human culture from ancient Egypt to today; art that includes works by Monet and Degas; hands-on activities in its “Imaginarium” for children ages 4-10 years old; an IMAX theater which shows movies daily including 3D movies on Friday nights at 7:30 pm.
History
This Dallas museum is named after Margot and Ross Perot, who financed the $185 million structure that opened in December 2012. The building was designed by architect James. It was built within the Trinity River levee on land donated by Ross Perot.
Things to do
There are many things to do in the Perot Museum for families and individuals of all ages. The museum has an IMAX theater, a planetarium that features star shows, live science demonstrations on weekends, exhibits about nature and world cultures including ancient Egyptian mummies from Dallas’ sister city Luxor; fossils recovered from excavation sites around DFW area lakes over the past decade by SMU students under paleontologist Louis L. Jacobs.
Visitors can touch a 40-foot “tree” with giant leaves in front of a five-story wall in one exhibit room or pet a camel in another hallway where it’s standing next to its mother (camels nurse their young until they’re two years old). Other animals at this natural history museum include black bears, bald eagles, vultures and monkeys.
Attractions for kids include a colorful “Imaginarium” where children can create their own roller coaster or climb inside giant bubbles; an outdoor play garden with tree houses, slides, and sandboxes in the shape of Texas. The museum also offers educational field trips to students attending public schools in Dallas County as well as other classes such as day camps for adults who want to learn more about science topics such as earthquakes, volcanoes, and coral reefs (taught by exhibits).
Tips for Visting
- Come ready to learn: This museum is full of interesting facts about animals, science topics such as earthquakes and volcanoes; human culture from ancient Egypt to today.
- Bring Kids: The Imaginarium offers hands-on activities in exhibits for children ages four to ten years old.
- Wear appropriate clothing: Make sure to wear comfortable shoes if you plan on walking around the museum.
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