The San Bernardino County Museum did a soft opening last weekend for its new Hall of Biodiversity exhibits following a two-week closure.
“We are incredibly excited to bring this exhibit space to life,” Curator of Integrated Biology Mackenzie Kirchner-Smith said in a statement. “The soft opening will offer an exclusive first look at the space, where guests can experience our new exhibits and immersive displays showcasing the beauty and complexity of biodiversity across our region.”
Museum Director David Myers said, “The Hall of Biodiversity is part of the museum’s ongoing commitment to environmental education and its mission to foster a deeper connection between visitors and the natural world. Through this exhibit, the museum aims to spark curiosity, inspire conservation efforts, and encourage sustainable practices in daily life.”
To celebrate the new exhibits, the San Bernardino County Museum Foundation offered a special promotional giveaway at the soft opening event Saturday.
“The first 100 San Bernardino County Museum Foundation and Kids Club members in attendance will receive an exclusive branded squishy polar bear stress reliever as a token to commemorate the return of the elusive polar bear from the museum’s collections,” Brandon Mulder, San Bernardino County Museum Foundation executive director, said in a statement prior to the event.
The museum is at 2024 Orange Tree Lane, off the California Street exit from the 10 Freeway in Redlands. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. General admission costs $10 for adults, $8 for military personnel or seniors, $7 for students and $5 for children ages 6 to 12. Children 5 and under get in free.
Parking is free, and the museum is accessible to people with disabilities.
The museum’s website is museum.sbcounty.gov. Information on museum membership is at thesbcmf.org.
