Laura Of The Barnes

The New Natural History Museum of Utah is Open to the Public!

 “Triceratops was always my favorite,” said Dr. Alan Grant in the best movie of all time. If you don’t know what movie I’m talking about, you’re clearly not much of a dinosaur fan. Or at least not much of a “dinosaurs in pop culture” fan. Regardless, the new Natural History Museum of Utah is so amazing it’s guaranteed to make you want to learn, explore, read… and Google who Dr. Alan Grant is.

Formerly located in President’s Circle, the new Natural History Museum of Utah is now nestled in the foothills of the Wasatch Range behind the University of Utah with a gorgeous view of Salt Lake valley. The Museum has 10 thematic exhibit galleries and cares for 1.2 million objects of Natural History. The galleries explore topics ranging from Utah’s ancient ecosystems and Utah’s first peoples to cutting-edge science in biogeography and genetics. And let’s not forget–dinosaurs.

The building itself is equally as impressive as the exhibits housed within. The building is wrapped in 42,000 square feet of standing seam copper, articulated in horizontal bands of various heights to represent the layered rock formations seen throughout Utah. It also was built with the intention of receiving a LEED Gold Certification. Several of the steps taken to receive that certification include collecting rainwater from the roof to irrigate the native plants found on site, recycling more than 75% of the Museum’s construction waste, and future solar panels on the roof that will provide more than 25% of the energy needed to sustain the Museum.

This Museum is world-class, hands down. And shockingly affordable for a Museum of its stature. It’s also included in the Visit Salt Lake Connect Pass, which is a streamlined and affordable way to see not only this Museum, but 12 other attractions in Salt Lake. Two of which pair perfectly with the Natural History Museum–The Leonardo and The Museum of Ancient Life at Thanksgiving Point.

…And this is why we need Bear Week. 

“More Cowbell!”

My latest blog for Visit Salt Lake about the 2011 Tour of Utah. Don’t miss Stage 4 in Salt Lake City and Stage 5 at Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort!

I hiked Mount Olympus yesterday. And although it’s muted, I definitely yelled “Drago!” Rocky IV style when I got to the top. My love for Stallone never turns off. Never.

For more info on Mount Olympus, check-out my other blog: http://www.visitsaltlake.com/mysaltlake/outdoor-recreation/mount-olympus-means-business/

Can’t get enough of Shark Week’s teaser using Lady Gaga’s “Show Me Your Teeth.” Only one more day to go… then it’s all sharks, all the time.   >’}-,^-<