The San Diego Natural History Museum, known as the Nat, is set to unveil its highly anticipated Tom Deméré Paleontology Center this Friday, June 6, inviting visitors to experience an exciting world beneath its four floors of exhibits.
Located in the museum’s basement, the new center is the culmination of years of planning and represents a significant investment in the museum’s mission to bring visitors closer to nature and the history of life on Earth.
Housing more than 1.5 million specimens collected over 150 years, the Paleo Center is named after Tom Deméré, the museum’s Curator of Paleontology, who has devoted nearly 46 years to the institution.
More than just a library of collection, the center serves as a vibrant working lab where paleontologists examine, classify, and research newly unearthed specimens from local construction sites.
Visitors will have a unique opportunity to witness scientists at work through the glass-walled research rooms, gaining insight into the research process.
For a closer look, guests can explore an array of colorful insects, jars of preserved snakes, shells, skulls, and various pressed plant specimens.
To celebrate the grand opening, the Nat has curated a special exhibit titled “Amazement in the Basement,” which encourages visitors to go behind the scenes and interact with fossils and the scientists studying them.
One of the highlights of the exhibit is a room showcasing fossil specimens discovered in the area, providing an engaging experience for guests.
“The new experience is one of the many ways we’re expanding our offerings and bringing visitors closer to nature,” stated Judy Gradwohl, president and CEO at The Nat.
The unveiling of the Paleo Center is just the beginning of the “Summer of Wonder” series of events designed to engage and entertain visitors throughout the season.
Every Friday evening, the museum will introduce ‘Nat at Night’, offering half-off admission after 5 p.m. Guests can explore all five floors of the museum and enjoy the stunning view of the sunset from the rooftop, complete with options for cocktails and small plates from the nearby Mission Hills restaurant, Wolf in the Woods.
In an exciting development, the rooftop deck will also be open on Saturdays and Sundays this summer, expanding access to the beautiful views of Balboa Park.
The museum plans to host a variety of hands-on activities all summer long, ensuring that visitors of all ages can participate in engaging experiences.
These activities will include lectures, sketching classes, story times tailored for young children, and opportunities in the Nature Studio for creative projects inspired by nature.
Next weekend, the Nature Studio will be open for visitors from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, and a ‘Nature & Me’ story time is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on June 8.
Visitors can consult the full schedule of events by visiting sdnhm.org/calendar/summer-of-wonder.
Additionally, on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month, professional animal handlers will lead ‘Critter Chats’ in the Living Lab from 1:30 to 2 p.m., enabling guests to meet and learn about live animals native to San Diego County.
For film enthusiasts, the museum will also feature two new films in its Giant Screen Theater this summer: “Jane Goodall: Reasons for Hope” and “Animal Kingdom,” both available daily and included with regular admission fees. Fans of “Wild San Diego” can also look forward to its continued screening during this season.
Adding to the excitement, two new retail spaces have opened in the museum’s Atrium area. The Craft Taco, a quick-service taqueria, offers made-to-order tacos, coffee, specialty drinks, and delicious to-go options like pollo asado bowls and torta sandwiches.
Gold Leaf, a boutique from San Diego’s South Park, has set up a satellite gift shop featuring nature-focused home goods and unique gifts for purchase.
The grand opening of the Tom Deméré Paleontology Center represents a significant moment for the San Diego Natural History Museum, strengthening its commitment to education and engagement with the wonders of the natural world.
For those planning to visit, the museum operates daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admittance is priced at $24 for adults, $20 for seniors (62+), military and students with ID, and $7 for youth aged 3 to 17.
For further details, visit the museum’s official website at sdnat.org or call 877-946-7797.
image source from：https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2025/06/01/san-diego-natural-history-museums-long-awaited-paleo-center-opens-friday/
