The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County has opened a new wing and community space called NHM Commons.
The new space will include a welcome center that is free to the public. The indoor-outdoor design will let visitors see into the Natural History Museum and its collections. There will also be a cafe, a 400-seat theater, and spaces for the museum to expand programming for the community.
During a press preview on Wednesday morning, L.A. County Second District Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell reflected on her family’s connection to the area: “When my mother was an undergrad at USC, working here in the basement, and just what Expo Park means to me and my family, what South Los Angeles means to my family,” Mitchell said.
Fred Fisher, the project’s principal architect, described his vision for creating an inclusive space for local residents.
“All we had to do was figure out how to build it out of glass and metal and concrete, and create what we hope is a simple solution for a complex problem — that when you come to this building, you instantly understand, ‘I’m included. I see what’s going on there. I’m curious about it, and I have access to it.’”
Milena Acosta, NHM’s associate director for community engagement, also shared that the museum’s mission is to build strong ties with the community.
“These are people that live here in Los Angeles and probably are down the street that now feel like this museum is more theirs,” she said. “And that’s ultimately what we mean when we say a museum of, for, and with L.A. We do it in community with people, right? The museum is ultimately people.”
One of the highlights of the welcome center is a 70-foot dinosaur skeleton, nicknamed “Gnatalie.” Visitors can also see a landmark mural by artist Barbara Carrasco titled L.A. History, A Mexican Perspective, which adds historical and cultural depth to the new space.
Situated across from the USC campus, NHM Commons provides opportunities for students to get involved through different ways. Lori Bettison-Varga, the museum’s president and director, highlighted this connection: “You know that we do have students who actually work here. So we do have students in our nature lab, and we have interns, and, of course, we’ve got a whole STEAM pathway program here that is focused on everything from, you know, young children to post-baccalaureate experiences all the way through graduate school and postdoc, in terms of their the work within the community,” she said.
Of course, the community includes more than just young people. Museum leaders hope this space will have a positive impact on everyone as a place that brings people together, fosters learning, and creates a welcoming environment for all ages.