Museum of Natural History and Planetarium

Museum of Natural History and Planetarium RI's only natural history museum and public planetarium. Part of City of Providence Parks Department. Roger Williams Park Museum

CONCERT UNDER THE STARS with TROIS GRAS! Experience a fusion of live music and celestial wonder in the planetarium at th...
09/14/2026

CONCERT UNDER THE STARS with TROIS GRAS! Experience a fusion of live music and celestial wonder in the planetarium at the Museum of Natural History in Roger Williams Park. Inside the dome theatre, the stars shine above you in a fully immersive musical journey—no telescopes or outdoor viewing required.

Thursday, October 1 | 6:30 PM
Thursday, November 19 | 6:30 PM
$15 | $12 Museum Members

Reserve your tickets and experience music under the stars!
Visit https://www.providenceri.gov/stars-concert-fall-2026-rwpmuseum/ to purchase your tickets!

Join the for a guided walking tour of Roger Williams Park and discover how innovative stormwater management practices a...
09/14/2026

Join the for a guided walking tour of Roger Williams Park and discover how innovative stormwater management practices are helping improve water quality, reduce flooding, support wildlife habitat, and create healthier communities.

When: Sept 16th 11-12:30pm
Where: Meet at the seal house in Roger Williams Park
What to expect:
Estimated 45 minute guided walk (approximately 0.75 miles)
Learn about stormwater, urban ponds, and watershed health
Meet SIC staff and volunteers
Refreshments and informal Q&A

Free and open to the public. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and plan for approximately one hour of being outdoors.

Drawing Wild: From the Museum Collection is returning on Monday, September 14th at 1pm! Register online today! https://w...
09/13/2026

Drawing Wild: From the Museum Collection is returning on Monday, September 14th at 1pm! Register online today! https://www.providenceri.gov/museum/drawing-wild/

All skill levels welcome, high school age and older. Bring a chair and your favorite drawing materials—no oils or acrylics and chair.
$35 adults | $30 members
Pre-registration required. Space is limited!

Join artist .hodge.studio for a special private drawing session at the Museum of Natural History and Planetarium. Explore the collections, including birds, bears, lions, Oceanic artifacts, and special “guests” from the vaults, and create your own work inspired by the Museum.

The Museum will be closed to the public during this program.

September Urban Naturalist Hike Cancelled!Tomorrow’s (September 13) Urban Naturalist Hike is cancelled due to the weathe...
09/12/2026

September Urban Naturalist Hike Cancelled!

Tomorrow’s (September 13) Urban Naturalist Hike is cancelled due to the weather. Hope you will join us for our next hike in October!

DUE TO THE FORECASTED INCLEMENT WEATHER THE HIKE IS CANCELLED. Slither along with us through the Park this Sunday, Septe...
09/11/2026

DUE TO THE FORECASTED INCLEMENT WEATHER THE HIKE IS CANCELLED.

Slither along with us through the Park this Sunday, September 13th! 🐍 We will stroll in search of signs of our natural neighbors, like this Eastern Garter Snake. Hike meets at the Museum at 10am, please wear comfortable shoes and bring binoculars if you have them. Ages 4 and up are welcome, families are encouraged—please no pets or strollers.

Pre-registration is recommended, sign up on our website: https://www.providenceri.gov/museum/outdoor-adventures/

Have you ever seen a flying squirrel? These southern flying squirrels might be called “flying” squirrels, but “gliding s...
09/08/2026

Have you ever seen a flying squirrel? These southern flying squirrels might be called “flying” squirrels, but “gliding squirrel” might be more accurate! A flap of loose skin between their wrists and ankles allows them to catch the wind and glide from tree to tree. Southern flying squirrels can be distinguished from their northern counterparts by their white underbellies.

You can see these fascinating backyard neighbors and several other animals in our Urban Wildlife exhibit at the Museum of Natural History and Planetarium in Roger Williams Park!

Planning a visit? Our hours have changed! The Museum is now open daily from 10am–4pm, with planetarium shows on Saturdays and Sundays at 2pm. Come explore the museum to meet some of Rhode Island’s wildlife and take a trip to the stars!

Tiny bird, BIG brain! A little late, but we could not let National Hummingbird Day (September 5) fly by without celebrat...
09/07/2026

Tiny bird, BIG brain! A little late, but we could not let National Hummingbird Day (September 5) fly by without celebrating! As fall approaches, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are preparing for their migration south from Rhode Island. These tiny birds have an incredible memory, allowing them to remember where they can find reliable sources of nectar and other food.

Want to see more amazing birds and eggs? Come explore our EGGSTRAVAGANZA exhibit at the Museum of Natural History!

Reminder: The Museum is closed today, Monday, September 7, for Labor Day. See you soon!

Closed today for Labor Day! The Museum of Natural History and Planetarium in Roger Williams Park is closed today, Monday...
09/07/2026

Closed today for Labor Day! The Museum of Natural History and Planetarium in Roger Williams Park is closed today, Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day.

From the archives: Parks staff dredging Roosevelt Lake, formerly known as Bandstand Lake/Crystal Lake, circa 1920. A little glimpse into the history of Roger Williams Park!

Today is National Pet Rock Day and we are highlighting an exceptional gemstone: celestine! This mineral comes in a varie...
09/06/2026

Today is National Pet Rock Day and we are highlighting an exceptional gemstone: celestine! This mineral comes in a variety of colors, including white, green, red, brown and various shades of blue. This specimen’s silvery color brings to mind the moon – fitting with its celestial name! To learn all about rocks, minerals and more, come visit the Museum of Natural History!

And of course, if you are interested in this gemstone’s namesake, be sure to stop by the Museum’s Moon Discovery Weekend event from Saturday, September 19 to Sunday, September 20!

Don’t forget: The Museum will be closed on Monday, September 7.

Address

Roger Williams Park, 1000 Elmwood Avenue
Providence, RI
02907

Website

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