BUENA VISTA MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY (Map)
2018 CHESTER AVE
BAKERSFIELD
CA 93301
(Natural History & Natural Science Museums)

Buena Vista Museum of Natural History & Science

Overview & Mission

The Buena Vista Museum of Natural History & Science, located at 2018 Chester Avenue, Bakersfield, California, is a premier center for the study and exhibition of natural history. Established in 1995, the museum’s mission is to educate, inspire, and engage the public through the display of fossils, minerals, taxidermy, and cultural artifacts. Its programs encourage hands-on learning and exploration of Earth’s history, ecosystems, and human culture.

History

• Founded in 1995 based on the Bob and Mary Ernst Collection of Miocene fossils from Sharktooth Hill.


• Originally housed at the California Living Museum (CALM), it later relocated downtown to a permanent 20,000-square-foot facility in Bakersfield’s Arts District.


• Expanded over time to include anthropology, geology, biology, and interactive educational exhibits.

Miocene Fossils from Sharktooth Hill

Sharktooth Hill, a middle Miocene fossil site, preserves marine life from roughly 15 million years ago. The museum’s collection includes thousands of specimens across 140+ species. Highlights include:

Sharks

• Otodus megalodon – gigantic prehistoric shark teeth.


• Carcharodon hastalis – extinct ancestor of the great white shark.


• Carcharocles angustidens – a large predatory shark.


• Carcharhinus spp. – modern-type requiem sharks.


• Galeocerdo aduncus – tiger shark relative.


• Hexanchus cf. griseus – sixgill sharks.

Rays and Bony Fish

• Myliobatidae – eagle rays.


• Pristis – sawfish relatives.


• Various Miocene bony fish including tuna, mackerel, and jackfish ancestors.

Marine Mammals

• Desmostylus – large herbivorous marine mammal.


• Paleoparadoxia – semi-aquatic marine herbivore.


• Early whales – Basilosaurus and Dorudon relatives.


• Sea lions and fur seals – Otariidae specimens.


• Early dolphins and porpoises – Delphinoidea family representatives.

Reptiles

• Sea turtles – including Caretta and Cheloniidae relatives.


• Marine crocodile remains.

Land Mammals

• Miocene horses – Hipparion and Parahippus.


• Early camels – Procamelus species.


• Primitive deer and peccaries.

Dinosaur Fossils and Paleozoic Specimens

The museum includes dinosaur fossils and replicas, representing Mesozoic ecosystems:

• Triceratops skull replicas and horn casts.


• Theropod reconstructions.


• Fossilized plants and invertebrates from the Paleozoic era, including trilobites, brachiopods, and ammonites.

Pleistocene and Ice Age Collections

Specimens include:

• Mammoths and mastodons.


• Saber-toothed cats (Smilodon fatalis).


• Giant ground sloths and Pleistocene bison.

Taxidermy & Modern Fauna

The museum’s taxidermy collection spans multiple continents:

• African savannah species – lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and antelopes.


• Primates – baboons, monkeys, and lemur models.


• North American species – bears, mountain lions, deer, and small mammals.


• Birds – ostriches, raptors, waterfowl, and songbirds displayed in naturalistic habitats.

Native American Lifeways and Anthropology

Exhibits focus on the indigenous cultures of Central California, particularly the Yokuts, including:

• Life-size reconstruction of a Yokuts dwelling.


• Artifacts such as tools, arrowheads, beads, and baskets.


• Displays explaining food preparation, hunting practices, and trade networks.

Interactive Science: The Oh! Zone

The “Oh! Zone” offers hands-on learning for children and families. Activities include:

• Fossil handling and identification.


• Geology experiments with rocks and minerals.


• Ecology and wildlife interactive displays.

Paleo-Laboratory & Research

The museum features a fully equipped paleo-laboratory where staff and visitors can observe fossil cleaning, preparation, and reconstruction. Public demonstrations teach techniques used in professional paleontology and museum curation.

Educational Programs

Programs include:

• School tours aligned with curriculum standards.


• Hands-on workshops for students of all ages.


• Paleo-digs at Sharktooth Hill with fossil excavation, sorting, and identification.


• Guest lectures by paleontologists, geologists, and biologists.


• STEM-focused outreach for local communities and families.

Facilities & Accessibility

• Multiple exhibit halls and classrooms.


• Interactive discovery areas for children and families.


• Secure storage for valuable fossil and mineral collections.


• Parking and public transit access in downtown Bakersfield.

Visitor Information

Hours: Thursday-Saturday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, Sunday 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm, Monday-Wednesday Closed.

Admission: Adults $10, Seniors $8, Students $8, Children (3-11) $6, Children under 3 Free. Discounts for military and EBT cardholders.

Significance

The museum’s Sharktooth Hill collection is globally recognized for its diversity and abundance, providing vital research material for paleontologists. Its combination of Miocene marine fossils, Pleistocene mammals, dinosaurs, taxidermy, and Native American artifacts allows visitors to explore natural and cultural history in a comprehensive, chronological journey.

Conclusion

The Buena Vista Museum of Natural History & Science is a unique educational and cultural institution, offering a deep dive into the natural history of Central California and beyond. Its detailed fossil collections, interactive exhibits, and hands-on educational programs make it an invaluable resource for students, researchers, and families interested in the wonders of Earth’s history and the diversity of life.