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Buena Vista Museum of Natural History & Science

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Discover Miocene fossils, Native American artifacts, and natural wonders at Bakersfield's Buena Vista Museum of Natural History & Science.

Explore natural history in downtown Bakersfield at the Buena Vista Museum. See Miocene fossils from Shark Tooth Hill, taxidermy animals, and a Yokuts village replica. An engaging experience for all ages.

A brief summary to Buena Vista Museum of Natural History & Science

  • Thursday 10 am-4 pm
  • Friday 10 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-4 pm
  • Sunday 12 pm-4 pm
Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Buena Vista Museum of Natural History & Science.

  • Check the museum's website for upcoming events, including Science Saturdays and Meet the Expert events.
  • Visit on the first Saturday of the month for Family Day to get a discounted admission price.
  • Take advantage of the free parking available on Chester Avenue and adjacent streets.
  • Active duty military personnel and their families receive free admission as part of the Blue Star Museums program.

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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Downtown Transit Center, walk south on Chester Avenue for approximately one block. The museum will be on your left. Walking distance is short and straightforward.

  • Public Transport

    The Downtown Transit Center is one block north of the museum. Several Golden Empire Transit (GET) and Kern Transit bus routes serve the center. Check GET or Kern Transit schedules for specific routes and times. A single ride fare is typically around $1.75.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Bakersfield. Simply provide the address, 2018 Chester Ave, as your destination. A short trip from downtown should cost approximately $7-$12.

  • Driving

    The museum is located on Chester Avenue between 20th and 21st streets. Free 90-minute parking is available on Chester Avenue and adjacent streets. Free two-hour parking is available about five blocks away at the City of Bakersfield's enclosed parking structure at 18th St. and Eye St. Street parking is also available. Check signs for time limits.

Discover more about Buena Vista Museum of Natural History & Science

The Buena Vista Museum of Natural History & Science, located in Bakersfield's Arts District, offers a fascinating journey through geology, paleontology, anthropology, and more. Founded in 1995, the museum's centerpiece is the Bob and Mary Ernst Collection of Miocene fossils from Shark Tooth Hill, the largest of its kind. Exhibits include taxidermy animals from around the world, a replica of a Triceratops skull, a Yokuts Indian village, and a detailed model of Yosemite Valley. The 'Oh Zone' provides hands-on activities for children. The Paleo Lab allows visitors to witness the cleaning, repair, and preservation of fossils. The museum is committed to education, offering tours, workshops, science camps, and special events. With its diverse collection and interactive exhibits, the Buena Vista Museum provides an enriching experience for visitors of all ages.

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