The Durham Museum of Life and Science isn't just a building--it's a campus. The museum is situated on an 80-acre site that houses both indoor and outdoor exhibits including a farmyard exhibit complete with livestock. The Museum of Life and Science's other outdoor exhibits include The Ellerbee Creek Railway, a replica antique train that visitors can ride around the museum's grounds.
Indoor exhibits at the Museum of Life and Science include a hands-on "Play to Learn" exhibit for children under 6 (there's a separate "gentle play zone" for infants and toddlers). There are also indoor exhibits about topics such as biology, aerospace, and climatology and that will appeal to both children and adults.
The Magic Wings Butterfly House at the Museum of Life and Science is a spectacular indoor exhibit that lets visitors interact with the hundreds of tropical butterflies that flutter around the 17,000 square foot butterfly conservatory. In addition to its flying residents, the butterfly house is home to over 250 species of tropical plants, including mango trees and coffee plants.
Admission to the Museum of Life and Science costs $10.85 for adults, $8.85 for seniors over 65 and military personnel. Kids ages 3-12 get in for $7.85, and kids under 3 get in free. Durham county residents get free admission every Wednesday from 1:00-5:00 p.m.
Memberships to the Museum of Life and Science are available for between $75 and $150 per year, depending on how many people the membership includes. Members of the museum get discounts on museum merchandise and services, as well as free admission to the museum. Members can also have the museum to themselves during special "members-only" museum hours every Monday-Saturday from 9:00-10:00 a.m.
The Museum Museum of Life and Science
433 Murray Road
Durham, NC 27704
(919) 220-5429
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