The design of the building itself reflected the museum’s mission. Architectural features evoked the natural environment of Florida, blending limestone, wood, and glass in a way that harmonized with the landscape. Inside, expansive exhibit halls, classrooms, and research areas created a space where visitors could experience science in motion.
Powell Hall became the public face of the Florida Museum of Natural History, housing major permanent exhibits that explored the state’s ecosystems, paleontology, archaeology, and cultural history. Meanwhile, much of the museum’s scientific collection—comprising millions of specimens—was stored and studied in separate research facilities, including the Dickinson Hall collections and laboratories.
Exhibitions That Define the Museum
The exhibits at the Florida Museum of Natural History are among the most celebrated in the southeastern United States, combining meticulous scientific accuracy with innovative design and storytelling.
One of the most iconic displays is the Butterfly Rainforest, an immersive living exhibit where visitors can walk among hundreds of free-flying butterflies from around the world. Opened in 2004, the rainforest quickly became one of the museum’s most beloved attractions. The experience combines education with sensory wonder, illustrating the delicate balance of ecosystems and the importance of conservation.
Other permanent exhibits showcase the geological and biological evolution of Florida. The Florida Fossils: Evolution of Life and Land gallery takes visitors on a journey through 65 million years of natural history, featuring giant sloths, saber-toothed cats, mammoths, and marine creatures that once inhabited ancient Florida. Each fossil tells part of the story of how the peninsula emerged from the sea and became home to its modern ecosystems.
Cultural exhibits explore the human side of Florida’s story. Displays on Native American history, colonial contact, and maritime archaeology connect visitors to the deep human past that shaped the region. Particularly striking are the artifacts recovered from underwater sites such as the Aucilla River and Little Salt Spring—evidence of human presence dating back more than 10,000 years.
Temporary exhibitions, often in partnership with national and international institutions, have explored subjects ranging from global biodiversity to ancient civilizations, space exploration, and the future of climate science. These rotating displays keep the museum dynamic and ever-relevant, drawing visitors from across Florida and beyond. shutdown123