Current ExhibitS
THE LOST WORLD OF DRAGONS
NOW – DECEMBEr 31, 2024
From Game of Thrones to How to Train Your Dragon, there is no denying that people of all ages love dragons and the magical mystique behind them. Experience them in a new way at The Lost World of Dragons. Now open at The Durham Museum, this exhibit showcases a unique, interactive experience for guests of all ages that is sure to breathe new fire into your imagination! Visitors will be immersed in stories of dragons — exploring the lore and history of them in nearly every region and culture, from Norway to China.
Created by Stage 9 Exhibits and distributed by Exhibits Development Group, The Lost World of Dragons celebrates the history of and science behind how the dragon myth has grown through the ages and cultures. Stanford University scholar Adrienne Mayor, a noted author and respected expert, provided consultation for the exhibition. Ms. Mayor has traveled the world and dusty archives to bring fascinating dragon myths and lore to life.
“This was a really fun exhibit! My 6-year-old niece really enjoyed it.”
Visitors to the exhibit will:
- Learn about dragon mythology and its origins
- Discover the connection between dragon myths and legends and scientific inquiry, literature and the arts
- Explore ideas and concepts through a variety of interactive displays
- Invent their own dragon stories by creating unique, stop-motion animated videos
The Lost World of Dragons features several components, including:
- Animatronic dragons from all different regions of the world
- Unique photo opportunities
- Creative interactive stations that inform and engage
- A dragon fossil dig
- A shadow puppet theatre
- Virtual Reality dragon flight experience with HTC Vive headset
- Custom-designed themed scenery environments
Have fun exploring the tales and tails of these ancient mythical beasts at The Durham Museum!
BECOMING JANE: THE EVOLUTION OF DR. JANE GOODALL
NOW – OCTOBER 13, 2024
Photo by Michael Nichols, National Geographic
Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE, founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and UN Messenger of Peace, braved the unknown to give the world a remarkable window into humankind’s closest living relatives: chimpanzees. In this hands-on, transportive multimedia exhibition celebrating her extraordinary life and work, visitors will explore Dr. Goodall’s early years through iconic images and a multiscreen experience. Venture on an immersive projection of Tanzania’s Gombe Stream National Park where she did her famous behavioral research on chimpanzees. Visitors will also see a life-size hologram of Dr. Goodall, enter a replica of her research tent and learn about her current role as a leader in community-centered conservation and youth empowerment. Finally, visitors will find out what they can do to make a positive impact in the world.
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VISITOR FEEDBACK
“What a touching and enlightening exhibit. I am an awe of Dr. Goodall’s commitment to chimpanzees and nature.”
“Just cool. Probably the coolest exhibit I’ve seen here (at The Durham).”
“This is super fun and awesome.”
EXHIBIT HIGHLIGHTS
- Multimedia video introduction to Dr. Jane Goodall and her work, as told through her own voice.
- Immersive projection of Tanzania’s Gombe Stream National Park where Dr. Goodall conducted her behavioral research on chimpanzees.
- Life-sized hologram of Dr. Goodall.
- Opportunities to learn about the famous chimpanzees of Gombe Stream and their fascinating behaviors.
- Iconic images and multimedia that explore Dr. Goodall’s early years.
- A replica of Dr. Goodall’s research tent, along with artifacts, objects and handwritten letters from throughout her life.
- Explanations of the threats faced by wild chimpanzees.
- Pledge stations to inspire exhibit guests to make a positive impact in the world.
An exhibition organized and traveled by the National Geographic Society in partnership with the Jane Goodall Institute.
SUPPORTED LOCALLY BY
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John and Lynne Boyer
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Susan and George Haddix |
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Polina and Bob Schlott |
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MEDIA SPONSOR
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“BECOMING JANE” PROGRAMMING
MUTUAL OF OMAHA’S WILD KINGDOM
NOW – OCTOBER 13, 2024
The Durham Museum is teaming up with Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom to showcase the history of a show that pioneered nature and wildlife programming and continues to educate viewers today.
Since its network television premier in 1963, Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom has been one of the most loved and respected wildlife programs in television history. The show took viewers to the far corners of the world and studied wild animals in their natural habitats. Hosts Marlin Perkins, Jim Fowler and Peter Gros wrestled anacondas, swam with sharks and were chased by a herd of elephants. They provided a look at an often unseen animal world and emphasized the importance of conservation while creating family-friendly entertainment.
Gros recently returned to co-host Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild alongside Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant, now airing Saturday mornings on NBC. In this series, the duo travels the nation to highlight conservation successes. As shown in the exhibit, the methods of interacting with wildlife have evolved with new technology offering more opportunities, but the message has remained the same — to protect, educate and take action to ensure the wild kingdom remains for future generations.
Featuring video, photos and objects related to the show, the exhibit highlights the origins of the television program, stories from behind-the-scenes and the work being done today to inspire the next generation of conservationists.
“We can ensure for those who follow us, that there will always be a Wild Kingdom.”
— Marlin Perkins
SUPPORTED LOCALLY BY
PAXTON & GALLAGHER COMPANY: LOCAL VALUES, NATIONAL REACH
NOW – DECEMBER 8, 2024
The Durham Museum Photo Archive, Bostwick-Frohardt Collection/KM3TV, BF426-034(01)
Built into an impressive wholesale business while supplying a multitude of goods for merchants to sell in the West, the Paxton & Gallagher Company represents the accomplishments of two Omaha pioneers. Benjamin Gallagher entered the grocery business at a young age and rose to ownership of the large and successful company. He partnered with William A. Paxton in 1879 and they ran their business based on Midwest values, respect for their customers, quality products and a keen sense of innovation. Because of this, Paxton & Gallagher Company grew into one of the largest wholesale corporations in the nation and further established Omaha, Nebraska, on the map, especially with their famous Butter-Nut® brand. They employed more than 400 people in the city and had businesses in 10 states with branches throughout Nebraska, Wyoming and South Dakota. Their success was based on their belief that, “Honest value is the best policy.”
Paxton & Gallagher Company: Local Values, National Reach highlights the company’s history through images, papers and objects – many from the Gallagher family!
PHOTO ARCHIVE: CHRISTMAS DAY JAILBREAK
NOW – MARCH 9, 2025
The Durham Museum Photo Archive, John Savage Collection, JS43E-574
At 7:10PM on December 25 1938, inmates Marvin Brown, Phil Erwin, Paul Romano and Fred J. Roberts escaped from the Douglas County Jail in downtown Omaha. After Roberts jumped Deputy Sheriff Joe Rosenbloom and stole his keys, the prisoners began their escape. They forced their way out of the courthouse, stole a car and fled. Within the next 48 hours a second stolen car was chased into a ditch and the escaped convicts were found in farm fields and returned to custody. Their grand attempt at an escape had failed. Told through nine photos from The Durham Museum’s Photo Archive, this exhibit details the inmates’ escape and eventual capture.
This display is curated by The Durham Museum intern DyLynn Madson, Grinnell College.
PASTIME PRINT: GRAHAM’S MAGAZINE
NOW – APRIL 6, 2025
Philadelphia businessman George Rex Graham became the owner of two magazine publications, The Casket and Burton’s Gentleman Magazine, and combined them into Graham’s Lady’s and Gentleman’s Magazine. The serial published colorful illustrations, tales and poetry featuring notable authors, travel information and much more from January 1841 to the late 1850s.
These magazines offered a glimpse into what entertainment and trends were popular for their readers at the time.
Get a peek at what fashion, recreation and stories were part of the culture for the mid-19th century in this display curated by The Durham Museum intern Michael Ermitaño, University of Nebraska at Omaha graduate.
ADMISSION
Adults: $15*
Seniors (62+): $12*
Military/Veteran: $12*
Children (ages 3 – 12): $8*
*PLUS TAX
Children 2 years and under FREE
Members: FREE!
BOOK YOUR TICKET »
Advance reservations are encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome.
Members, your free admission discount is applied near the end of the online registration process.
