Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum
About
Free BYU Natural History Museum With Live Animal Shows
The Bean Life Science Museum on the Brigham Young University campus is a free natural-history museum with extensive taxidermy dioramas, live animal exhibits, and the largest insect collection in the Mountain West. Hands-on science classes and live snake/raptor shows make it a Provo-family favorite.
What Kids Can Do
Live Animal Shows happen daily at 1pm and 3pm with snakes, lizards, raptors, or invertebrates - kids sit close to handlers describing the species. Walk-through dioramas of Africa, Asia, North America, and Utah ecosystems display 100+ taxidermy mammals. Insect Hall has live tarantulas, scorpions, and a giant bee observation hive. Discovery Drawers throughout let kids open and touch real specimens [marked: live animal show schedule changes by day - confirm at front desk on arrival].
What's Included
Free admission, free parking in BYU visitor lot. Live animal shows, all exhibits, Discovery Drawers free. Birthday parties, summer camps, and group bookings priced separately.
Experience
Plan 1.5-3 hours. Mostly indoor - good rainy/snowy day option. Stroller-friendly throughout. Open M-F 10am-9pm, Sat 10am-5pm, closed Sundays.