The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum was the first new museum building in Chicago's parks in more than six decades. It was also Chicago's first museum to include computer networks and information links in its infrastructure. The museum aims to combine the beauty of nature with cutting-edge scientific discovery and specializes in the ecology and biodiversity of the Midwest -- from the Great Lakes to the prairies, from natural to urban areas.
It's also fitting that the city's newest museum was created by its parent organization, the Chicago Academy of Sciences, which dates back to 1857 and holds the distinction as Chicago's first museum.
The museum houses seven permanent exhibits that encourage visitors to examine and question the world around them and helps to demonstrate that everything people do -- even in the heart of the city -- affects nature whether it is nearby or hundreds of miles away. These exhibits include the Butterfly Haven (explore the museum's signature exhibit featuring a 28-foot-tall greenhouse aflutter with 15 to 25 different species of live butterflies and moths native to the Midwest); City Science (meet the tiny creatures that inhabit every city home); Environmental Central (participate in problem-solving simulations based on probable environmental issues); Water Lab (learn about the impact of rivers and lakes on daily life); Wilderness Walk (explore the biodiversity of the Midwest); Children's Gallery (designed to teach children 'Budding naturalists' ages 3 to 7 about the environment); and the Outdoor Exhibit (incorporating successional vegetation, spring wildflower garden, pond bank, native grass and butterfly garden, and ravine garden).
The museum is named for one of Chicago's leading ladies, Peggy Notebaert. Her husband, Dick Notebaert, made a $4 million donation to the Nature Museum in his wife's name in honor of their 30th wedding anniversary.
Being Chicago's newest museum also offers other advantages. The Chicago architectural firm of Perkins & Will appears to have thought of everything. The museum itself was designed to replicate a Lake Michigan sand dune in color and shape. Not only does the 73,000-square-foot building embrace the natural landscape of Lincoln Park and North Pond, the use of extensive glass and multi-level open-air terraces enable museum-goers to connect with nature outside while viewing exhibits inside.
All areas of the museum are handicap accessible. The museum itself is accessible by foot, car, public transportation (including trolley), bike, even roller blades. Stow your blades at the coat check, or use the new bike racks to lock up your bike.
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