Information for the Public
The Essig Museum is not open to the general public for private tours or site visits, however, you are welcome to come to one of our twice-a-year open houses, Cal Day or Darwin Day.
On Cal Day, our campus-wide open house in mid-April, special insect exhibits and activities are showcased by the museum, the Entomology Students Organization (ESO), and the faculty. In mid-February, Darwin Day recognizes the contributions of Charles Darwin to biology and evolutionary thought. The Essig Museum welcomes fellow researchers and interested members of the general public to join us for conversation, education, and presentations. There will be displays of plants and animals that were the focus of much of Darwin's interests, and hourly museum tours in the afternoon.
At all other times, a small display case of insects from around the world is available for viewing on the second floor of Wellman Hall (directions) during business hours (weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.). Other Berkeley Natural History Museum displays open to the public include showcased animals, plants and fossil vertebrates (featuring dinosaurs) on the first, second, and third floor hallways of the Valley Life Science Building (C3 on campus map), and living plant collection at the UC Botanical Garden.
