Beneski Museum of Natural History

11 Barrett Hill Rd, Amherst, MA 01002, USA

Address:	11 Barrett Hill Rd, Amherst, MA 01002, USA
Phone:	+1 413-542-2165
Site:	amherst.edu
Rating:	4.8
Working:	Closed 11AM–4PM 11AM–4PM 11AM–4PM 11AM–4PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM

Location

Photos 19

Reviews 15

Philip Blyth

I have rarely seen a small museum this refined. It is a real gem... The collection is varied and rather large (the walls are lined with pull-drawers filled with fossils that tell a story when opened in order), and while some sites labeled it as "not kid friendly", my 4-year-old was enchanted with the awe inspiring towering fossils of full dinosaurs, skulls and 2 gorgeous specimens of mammoth. He delighted in pulling open every single drawer, and asked for an explanation of every single one. True, its not a "touchie feelie" kind of museum, but its a museum that presents its collection in a kind of halo of awe and reverence for the countless eons it represents, and certain kids will pick up on this and become enthralled...! There are certain pieces that you can touch, especially in the very large "footprints" collection, which my kids loved pretending he was a dinosaur in :D

Matthew Alger

Its a neat museum and its free. However, the guides dont always seem to understand the exhibits well. While I was there, they answered a question from another guest about how we know some thing or another by saying, "Well, we have scientists for that." They do color the plaster to contrast real bones, so it is neat to see how the skeletons are reconstructed. Most of the fossils are nearly complete.

Dave Betournay

I went there 25 years ago as a child and then I went a couple years back and although it was a new building it was a lot like I remembered. This place offers a great overview of the natural history of the Pioneer Valley and surrounding areas, among others. Its not a very big museum but if you like to learn you could easily spend a couple hours here.

Skylhur Tranqille

There is an impressive collection of fossils and different types geological formations in the forms of both rocks and crystals(although crystals are also rocks). The fossil collection is beautifully lit with descriptions and helpful guides are there to explain or just let you explore. Take your children to see ancient dinosaurs!

Sudhamsu Krishna

Quite densely packed with "plunders" of several expeditions mounted by Amherst College, among several other artifacts sourced from other museums. Casually curious visitors can spend over an hour here amongst the bones and stones of the valley.

Susan Stebbins

Wonderful museum. Ive accompanied second grade classes there several times and it is always a huge hit. The staff is warm, they know their stuff and they know how to communicate effectively with second graders. Highly recommended!

Spencer Shorkey

Really awesome Natural History museum, mostly fossil specimens and a lot of mineral. Some interesting geological history stories/models of New England also

Dee tee

Absolutely amazing. Had no idea this place even existed. Will definitely be back when we have more time to explore everything. Worth the trip for sure!

Amy Radder

A lovely hidden gem. An impressive collection of fossils and pleasant staff. Definitely worth the trip.

Caroline Santayana

Small, free, cram packed, and gorgeously displayed! Walking distance to other cool free museums

Dian Yustisiana

The mineral collection and the rock slabs with dinosaur tracks are AMAZING!!

Cynthia Barrs

Excellent museum except for the lack of signage and visitor parking.

Bill Guo

Impressive collections for a college. It is a wealthy college.

Vadim Sedletsky

Free to visit and tour !