Museum of the Earth, Ithaca

The Museum of the Earth, located in Ithaca, New York, is a natural history museum dedicated to exploring the vast history of our planet and its life forms. Opened in 2003 as part of the Paleontological Research Institution (PRI), the museum serves as a bridge between science, art, and education. It is formally affiliated with Cornell University, offering visitors a deep dive into Earth sciences through engaging exhibits and hands-on experiences.

Spanning an 18,000-square-foot space on Ithaca’s West Hill, the museum's architecture-designed by Weiss/Manfredi-mimics the dramatic landscape of a gorge, earning it prestigious design awards from the American Institute of Architects. Inside, its 8,000-square-foot permanent exhibition takes visitors on an interactive journey through 4.5 billion years of Earth’s history. Highlights include the Hyde Park Mastodon, one of the most complete mastodon skeletons ever discovered, and a striking 44-foot-long Right Whale skeleton known as #2030. Other features include a Fossil Prep Lab where visitors can watch scientific discoveries unfold, the early-learner Dino Zone featuring Steggy the Stegosaurus, and the Rock of Ages, Sands of Time mural-a 500-foot-long artistic representation of Earth’s evolution.

Despite its significant contributions to science and education, the Museum of the Earth faced an existential threat in early 2025 due to donor withdrawals, leading to a critical budget shortfall. As it continues to navigate financial challenges, the museum remains a unique and invaluable space for fostering curiosity about Earth’s past, present, and future.

Conveniently located just two miles north of downtown Ithaca on Route 96, the Museum of the Earth invites visitors of all ages to discover the planet’s prehistoric wonders and its ever-changing natural world.