Florida Museum of Natural HistoryAbout Florida Museum of Natural History
The Florida Museum of Natural History is the state natural history museum located on the University of Florida campus in Gainesville. It houses research collections and public exhibits covering paleontology, biodiversity, anthropology and regional natural history.
A live Butterfly Rainforest exhibit and large collections used for scientific research, as well as permanent and rotating exhibitions on Florida’s natural and cultural past. The museum balances public-facing displays with its role as a research and collections center for the region.
The museum developed from university-based natural-history collections and has expanded its public galleries and research facilities over the 20th and 21st centuries to serve both visitors and the scientific community. It continues to add exhibitions and outreach programs linked to ongoing research.
Located on the University of Florida campus in Gainesville, the museum is easily accessible from the city and serves as a regional center for visitors and researchers interested in Florida’s biology and geology.
- University affiliation: Operated by the University of Florida, the museum serves as Florida’s state natural history museum and combines research collections with public exhibits.
What to See#
- Butterfly Rainforest (McGuire Center): A climate-controlled live exhibit that houses free-flying butterflies and tropical plants, operated by the museum’s McGuire Center for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity.
- Exhibition and fossil halls: Exhibition halls that present regional paleontology, archaeology and natural-history displays focusing on Florida’s natural and cultural past.
Nearby Attractions to Florida Museum of Natural History
Best Time to Visit Florida Museum of Natural History
Mild winter and spring months are pleasant; summers can be hot and humid though indoor exhibits remain comfortable.
Weather & Climate near Florida Museum of Natural History
Florida Museum of Natural History's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 6°C to 33°C. Abundant rainfall (1330 mm/year), wettest in August.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 6° - 20° | 13° | 91 mm | - | - | 2.7 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 7° - 21° | 14° | 106 mm | - | - | 3.0 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 10° - 25° | 17° | 101 mm | - | - | 2.8 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 13° - 27° | 20° | 64 mm | - | - | 2.6 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 17° - 31° | 24° | 89 mm | - | - | 2.4 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 20° - 33° | 26° | 175 mm | - | - | 2.2 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 21° - 33° | 27° | 175 mm | - | - | 2.0 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 21° - 33° | 27° | 202 mm | - | - | 2.0 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 20° - 32° | 26° | 134 mm | - | - | 2.2 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 15° - 28° | 22° | 59 mm | - | - | 2.3 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 11° - 24° | 18° | 59 mm | - | - | 2.3 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 7° - 21° | 14° | 75 mm | - | - | 2.4 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Florida Museum of Natural History
Located on the University of Florida campus in Gainesville. From downtown Gainesville, take a short taxi or bus (RTS routes) to Hull Road; campus parking and visitor garages are available. Gainesville Regional Airport is a 20-30 minute drive.
Tips for Visiting Florida Museum of Natural History
- Arrive early to tour the Butterfly Rainforest (if open) before it fills with school groups.
- Check fieldwork updates-this research museum often posts current dig or research displays that are fascinating and ephemeral.
- On warm days, the museum's outside exhibits and campus are pleasant for a picnic and herpetology spotting.