After temporarily going extinct over the summer due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the jaw-dropping prehistoric exhibits at Earth Experience in Murfreesboro is reopening with a roar!
As the first natural history museum in middle Tennessee, Earth Experience showcases archeological relics from as far away as Antarctica and Madagascar, and as close as right outside our own front door.
“It all begins with an idea,” says Executive Director Alan Brown. “We started by asking the question, ‘what kind of museum would we actually want to spend time in?’”
Since its opening a little over five years ago, Earth Experience has collected thousands of rocks, fossils, gems, minerals, dinosaur bones and unique archeological relics from around the world (and some from our own state of Tennessee).
“Today, we have amassed thousands of relics that could fill more than five times the space you’ll see, and we’re planning a much larger space for the museum in the future,” the website states.
What can you do there?
Here are a few things you and your family can do at this interactive, dynamic experience:
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see a working paleontology laboratory where real dinosaur bones are cleaned and repaired
- see a molding and casting operation creating dinosaur displays and souvenirs for sale in the gift shop
- touch dinosaur bones, petrified wood, rocks and minerals
- see the dinosaur finds the museum uncovers every summer through our active dig program in Montana
- participate in jewelry-making workshops sponsored by the Mid Tennessee Gem and Mineral Society housed inside Earth Experience
- meet Frank, the museum's 38-foot-long T. Rex skeleton
This is no typical natural history museum!
With ongoing research and activities, you’ll view relics and exhibits that reflect the ground you walk on and the environment where you live. And when you leave, you’ll have a greater understanding and appreciation of the natural history of Tennessee, parts of the United States and the greater world, from the beginning of time through today.
Earth Experience is located at 816 Old Salem Road in Murfreesboro and open to the public Thursday through Saturday 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. for everyone who wants their dinosaur fix!
Admission is $7 for 12 and up, $3 for 4-11 years and children under 4 get in for free.
Make sure to say hello to Frank.