Two accessible floors await our visiting adults. The front entrance is at ground level with easy, “no-steps” entry into our admission area; we also have a convenient drive-up drop off and pick up zone within 20 feet of our front entrance. Wheel chairs, free of charge, are available at the front desk on a “first come, first serve” basis
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What is the fifth planet from the sun? Find out by getting lost in our Hall of the Universe, exploring
the planets in our solar system and beyond.
Short biographies of ground breaking astronomers accompany scientific explanations of celestial bodies and oddities. The Caryl D. Philips Space Theater, located next to the Hall of the Universe, houses the region’s only Digistar II star projection system, which is a state-of-the-art special purpose computer graphics planetarium system. Planetarium shows run daily.

Laser Light Shows are available by advance request and show during most Museum-wide special events. Lean back, relax and enjoy the lights fantastic to classic rock, contemporary pop, or themed musical compilations.
Laser Schedule

The natural world is waiting for you in the Bieser Discovery Center. Start by viewing undersea specimens, such as brachiopods and cephalopods. Visit the geological section with its beautiful, extra-large sample of amethyst. Finish off with the discovery of tools made by the earliest Ohioans. Bieser also houses our Burmese Python, Rajeev, at approximately 14.5 feet long and weighing over 170 pounds.
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What do canopic jars, a Mossi-Dogon mask, a portion of limestone stele, and Nesiur, our real 2,800 year old mummy have in common? They are all on exhibit in our African Room, which highlights unique objects and curious items from the continent of Africa collected by local Miami Valley citizens. Nesiur, her story, and a re-creation of what her face might have looked like, are highlighted in the African Room.

Wild Ohio houses our North American animals that have come to the Museum with their own unique story. Many of our animals are unable to survive in the wild because of a previous injury. Each animal plays a role in educating visitors about their relatives in the wild and helps us in understanding our “bio-responsibility.”
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Are you curious by nature? How about arranging your very own tour of our Collections Repositories, lead by our expert curatorial staff from the Anthropology, Biology, or Geology departments. Journey through time with such diverse items as Native American animal hide shields, African tribal drums, a mummified human hand, and fossilized creatures that swam through the waters once covering Dayton.
Call 937-275-7431 ext. 130

The Boonshoft Museum of Discovery offers that perfect mix of uniqueness and versatility for your next special event. From wedding receptions to retirement celebrations or staff retreats and product launch meetings, the Museum can help you create an unforgettable event.
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Journey back in time and visit our national historic landmark, SunWatch Indian Village/ Archaeological Park (listed on the National Register of Historic Places), an 800 year old partially reconstructed, prehistoric and astronomically aligned Fort Ancient period Village. Before touring the outdoor Village, stroll through the Interpretive Center, which includes displays describing SunWatch’s excavation and rare objects found on the site.
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The Dayton Society of Natural History offers many enlightening and enjoyable experiences to help you get involved. Join the swelling ranks of the new “get involved” movement, develop new skills or sharpen old ones, and meet fascinating new people all at the Dayton Society of Natural History.
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