How do scientists explore our world? What ecosystems are hiding in your own backyard? And what can Museum specimens teach us about nature?
Curiosity: It turns rocks into ancient geological evidence, birds into long-lost relatives of dinosaurs, and fossils into handheld time capsules.
Learning about science should be just as exciting and awe-inspiring as nature itself—and that’s exactly the experience the Ames Family Curiosity Center aims to provide.
In this space, you’ll get hands-on with Museum collections, connect with science and art to engage your senses, and become a citizen scientist. You’ll discover engaging displays that answer questions and spark new ones—along with interactive workstations and opportunities for self-guided exploration of fascinating specimens.
Get to know the wild wonders of Ohio—and beyond.
It’s a bird, it’s a plane…it’s one of the many amazing species found in Ohio’s ecosystems!
Through immersive media experiences, this gallery invites you to explore the incredible biodiversity and ecosystems of Northeast Ohio. Discover stories about seasonal migration, invasive species, Cleveland through time, and more.
Interact with hands-on exhibits and you’ll discover just how vital these ecosystems and their residents are to the health of humans and our planet. Speaking of questions: Know a squirrel from a chipmunk? How about a weed from a wildflower? As you witness the wonders of Ohio’s wetlands and wilderness, you’ll learn to identify and interact with the nature found in our region.
Examine, identify, and explore specimens from our collections at your own pace.
Ever wonder what marvels are lurking right in your backyard? Peer at the dainty legs and delicate wings of native butterfly species from one of our specimen drawers, or take a gander under the microscope at any of our geological, biological, and other -ogical specimens. The Ames Family Curiosity Center not only offers scientific exploration within the walls of the Museum, but also reveals what’s out in the world—inviting you to become a citizen scientist and connect with your environment.
