This is a one of a kind museum. It has the largest bone collection in the world. That may sound schlocky but is actually very impressive. The museum presents skeletons of whole specimens arranged into genuses while explaining how bones and skeletons relate to anatomy and scientific classification. Very educational and well presented. Oklahoma City ain't much to look at but this museum may redeem this city's ugly demeanor ... at least in part.
The Museum of Osteology is a great place to visit. It is not an attraction to spend the day at. Essentially it is just one large room, two stories, with display cases along the outer walls. Large skeletons are suspended from the ceiling and in the center of the room. It is nice that the kids can touch what is out on the floor. The scavenger hunt is nice, adds a little interaction with the exhibit. Wish they had a knowledgeable employee on the floor to give a "tour" or interesting information.
This is a wonderful place to spend several hours. It is has easy access off the Interstate and parking is very close. The attention to detail is outstanding. Every skeleton, skull and exhibit is carefully marked and explained. I am a veterinarian and I know bones, this museum goes above and beyond to explain the whys and hows of bones from man, fish, birds, reptiles, whales and numerous other species. You can touch the exhibits and truly get a sense of just how hard and heavy the bones of whales and several large land animals are. You can watch flesh eating beetles eat away at a skull. I promise when you leave you will have learned something about the animal kingdom. This is a great place for adults and children alike. Go and learn something about yourself and the animals we share the planet with.
Today I took my 10 year old son and my 8 year old daughter to the Museum of Osteology. My son was more interesed than she was but she still enjoyed it. It's cool that you can actually feel some of the bones. They have a video that shows how they skin and clean the bones which was totally gross but very interesting. We couldn't quit watching the video. They encourage pictures of the bones on display and we took several. They also have a gift shop as you leave.
I really had been looking forward to visiting and when we finally made it, it was worth the anticipation. Really a fun way a spend a few hours and very educational. Worth the $8-ish dollar ticket cost. I would probably avoid going during whatever their "rush hour" because looking closely at the exhibits and taking your time is key to really appreciating every piece. We had the place to ourselves on Thursday morning.
They've got friggin' dinosaur bones. And every other animal you could think of. I've never seen so many bones in my whole life.
This was one of the highlights of our trip! It was outstanding, so many specimens and skeletons we've never seen before. You'll want to expect to spend 1 to 2 hours there, cameras are welcome and they have a nice gift shop as well. Our children, age 9 and 11 thoroughly enjoyed it.
I was surprised to find out that I enjoyed looking at all the bones. There were animals I had never seen and a lot of information about each skeleton. It was educational and fun to go through. This is not a place where you take a quick look and on to the next item, you need to take time to read and look at each skeleton to appreciate the experience.
I have always wanted to go since i first heard of it and I am glad I finally did. you will gain a greater respect for the intricacy of the animal kingdom. all the exhibits arranged by class/species/subspecies. the displays are amazing and the skeletons are posed in very realistic positions (running, jumping, flying, etc.) the complicated procedure to put together the smallest of skeletons (the shrew), to the largest (the humped back whale). the side stories (find out about the manatee - hint: the story is answered in two separate displays) PLEASE have plenty of time to slowly explore each exhibit, watch the video, and sit in amazement. The gift shop is bizarre and unique and very difficult (if you are open minded) to walk out without a purchase.
Being a collector, I was beyond excited to go this museum... and it was everything I was hoping and more. If you are into this kind of thing, you will absolutely love it. They have a lot of skulls and skeletons that are considered rare or hard to find. This is a very educational museum and they explain a lot about different animal families and about the anatomy and physiology of different families. As far as for families with children, it would be entertaining to older kids, or kids of any age who are interested in those kinds of things. The tickets are cheap and well worth the price (about $8/adult), and the building has two floors (with stairs and an elevator). The gift shop offers a lot of different items, including lots of kids toys, and A-C quality skulls.