Anning Paleontological Museum
Anning Paleontological Museum is the largest (and only) paleontology-focused museum in New South Wales. This building hosts exhibits on the history and processes of paleontology, the evolutionary history of life, and more! This building also hosts the Aspiring Paleontological Prodigies Program, an outreach and education initiative that houses our animal ambassadors.
Exhibits
Evolution GalleryFrom the Cambrian explosion to the evolution of birds, this gallery summarizes the history and evolution of various major groups. This gallery contains fossils, dioramas, and various interactive displays.
Fossil Prep Lab
Take a look at how a fossil is prepared! Not only do we prepare our own fossils, but several institutions loan us their fossils to speed up preparation rates. Please be respectful to the fossil preparers. Don’t taunt them with hot dogs.
Genetics Lab
Take a peek at how our animals are made! Although APM contains a working genetics lab, this is but a small sample of the total Huxley genetics complex. Please be respectful to the geneticists. Don’t taunt them with pizza.
Hawkins Library
This library houses a large collection of books and journals about paleontology, biology, geology, and genetics, including the entire Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology set.
Paleoart Gallery
This large hall has prints of some of the finest works of paleoart, and showcases the evolution of artistic depictions of prehistoric life. Works here include those by Charles R. Knight, Zdenek Burian, Doug Henderson, Julius Csotonyi, Emily Willoughby, and Mauricio Anton.
Paleomedia Room
This room overviews how media depictions of prehistoric life have changed over the years, and the impact the media has on public perception of prehistoric life. This room culminates with an opportunity to play the videogame Saurian in virtual reality (please don’t ask how this is possible before it’s finished).
The Science of De-Extinction
Learn about the history of de-extinction movements, how Huxley Paleozoo contributes to the greater global de-extinction effort, and the steps it takes to go from scraps of genetic material to a live, reintroduced great auk.
Walk of Time
Walk through the history of the earth, from its turbulent formation to the havoc that people wreak on it. Learn about important geological and biological events, and what outside forces have shaped the path of life on earth.
Collections
APM has one of the largest collections of fossils and casts in Australia. We acquire specimens from other museums and occasionally carry out our own expeditions. Remains and genetic material of any Paleozoo animals that pass away are also stored here.