Organization profile

The Bell Museum (Minnesota's state museum of natural history) is an interdisciplinary research, teaching, and outreach center. The faculty conduct cutting edge research on patterns and processes in evolutionary biology and maintain outstanding scientific collections (Amphibians and Reptiles, Birds, Fishes, Fungi, Insects, Lichenized Fungi, Mammals, Mollusks, and Vascular Plants) for use in research and teaching. Bell Museum scientists are actively engaged in both undergraduate and graduate education. The museum's public facility serves the public generally and K-12 education specifically through a combination of permanent exhibits (notably world-class habitat dioramas), traveling exhibits, and public programs (e.g., Cafe Scientifique, Field Trips). In addition, educational outreach programs bring environmental science education to schools, nature centers, and state parks around the state.