January 9
Friday
5:30 pm -
10:00 pm |
First Fridays: Darwin's Revolution
Throughout the Museum
The night begins with author Lyanda Lynn Haupt, who explores Darwin's own evolution – from his beginning as a fumbling neophyte student of the natural world to his emergence as an original, creative naturalist who could draw complex scientific truths from the observation of life around him. NHM Ornithology Collections Manager Kimball Garrett takes guests on a tour of intriguing, variable bird groups that Darwin would have observed, and talk about how the Museum's collections – even those that are very old – are used in modern day research. The band Plants and Animal plays; DJ J. ROCC spins. Visit www.nhm.org/firstfridays. |
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January 10
Saturday
10:15 am -
11:15 am |
Critter Club: Daily Special
Meet at South Doors (First Floor)
What's on the menu at the Animal Care Cafe? We'll introduce our resident animals – snakes, frogs, tarantulas and more – and show how, and what, we feed them. This program is for 3-5 year olds and a participating adult. All programs are free with paid Museum admission. Events available on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations required; check-in at Museum's South Doors. For more information, please call (213) 763-ED4U. |
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January 11
Sunday
10:00 am -
4:00 pm |
Sustainable Sundays: A Pursuit of Protection
Natural History Museum
In this new series, the Museum becomes a forum in which visitors learn about international conservation issues, and then can interact with organizations that take action. At 12:30 pm, Dr. Lawrence Barnes, NHM Curator of Vertebrate Paleontology, gives a talk titled “Long-time Inhabitants of the Sea: Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises.” He'll discuss the past diversity of the cetacean order, compare ancient creatures to the diversity found in modern oceans, and contemplate their present rate of extinctions amid challenges such as development and climate change. Then at 2:30 pm, Conservation International's Dr. Lu Zhi, one of the world's foremost experts on pandas, appears. Dr. Lu leads local and national-level conservation programs throughout China – including a partnership with Tibetan communities which gleaned common interests between the locals' spiritual culture and her own conservation priorities. Her politically innovative approach includes paying the communities for their responsible use of water and carbon resources. Representatives from the L.A. Zoo, Friends of Ballona Wetlands and the California Department of Fish and Game will be on hand in the Grand Foyer to offer insights on environmental protection. Visit www.nhm.org/sustainablesundays. |
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January 17
Saturday
11:00 am |
Scavenger's Safari: Hooray for History
Join a behind-the-scenes tour with Dr. William Estrada, Curator of History, who will take participants back in time with historic L.A. artifacts and photos that capture old Hollywood glitz and glamour. This monthly program is free with Patron Family Membership ($185 annually). RSVP today at (213) 763-3426. |
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January 17 & 18
Saturday & Sunday
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Center for Chinese Fossil Discoveries
Meant to celebrate both the Chinese New Year and a new collaboration, join us in an exploratory weekend of China's extensive fossils deposits and their scientific importance. The Museum and USC will present their recent work in China, including Tibet. There are scientist lectures at noon and 2 pm both days; grad students are on hand to display fossils and interact with visitors; and in a Junior Scientist component – geared toward 6-9 year-olds and their families – Museum educators host hands-on activities in which participants become paleontologists, at least for an afternoon! |
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POSTPONED (Moved to February 13th!)
Members’ Exclusive Reception – The Visible Vault Is Unlocked!
Explorer-level members and higher are invited to an exclusive cocktail reception celebrating the Museum's latest exhibit, Visible Vault: Archaeological Treasures from Ancient Latin America. For one night only, the Vault will be unlocked for guests to enjoy a special tour of the treasures from the great Aztec, Maya, and Inca empires and their surrounding cultures. Live music and entertainment are featured. Free with Explorer level membership ($600). Call (213) 763-3426 or visit www.nhm.org/membership. |
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January 23
Friday
6:15 pm |
Douglas Fairbanks: The First King of Hollywood
VIP Member Exhibit Opening Reception
At the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
6:15 pm - Exclusive for Museum guests only! Beth Werling, Collections Manager of History for the Natural History Museum and Co-curator of the exhibit will lead you on a private tour.
7:00 pm - Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres served. The exhibit will be open for all guests to enjoy at their leisure.
Movie star, studio founder, philanthropist, civic leader, heartthrob, daredevil: While Douglas Fairbanks may be best known for starring in films such as The Mark of Zorro, The Three Musketeers, and The Iron Mask, he also left a lasting mark with his 1927 role as one of the founders of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and his service as the organization's first president. This exhibit featuring the Museum's is presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Free with Explorer level membership ($600 annually) or higher. Call (213) 763-3426 or visit www.nhm.org/membership. |
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January 24
Saturday
10:00 am -
5:00 pm |
Latin Festival
Join us in a celebration of the exhibition Visible Vault. This special day features a performance by Grammy Award-winning Latin Jazz artist, Poncho Sanchez, a Lucha Libre mask making workshop and other family activities. |
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January 25
Sunday
2:00 pm |
Reading/Book Signing of Where Things Are, From Near to Far
Interact (Level 1)
While playing in the city park, little Hugo wonders, "Who put these buildings here?" Hugo's mother leads him on a whirlwind trip through the city, the country, and everything in-between to explain the answer. This engaging book is an easy introduction to the career of urban planning, and illustrates that "every building has its place."
A reading with actress and teacher Alison Letson-LaFetra will be followed by a discussion with author Tim Halbur and illustrator Dave Ryan as they explain the story behind the creation of this children's book about the job of urban planners. Tim will conclude with a tour of the Museum's 1920's model of Los Angeles, built for urban planning purposes. Finally, join urban planner James Rojas and his interactive public art installation, which invites participants to reimagine public and civic amenities in this city. Free with Museum admission. |
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January 31
Saturday
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Art + Science = Mammals
This brand new series explores how science affects art, and the art inherent in science. This month we discover the art and science of mammals through diorama making, illustration, creative writing, and storytelling. Learn what dioramas reveal about animals in their habitats and create your own to take home, illustrate your favorite animals, hear Yaqui Indian stories and enjoy music with the family. |
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