The Beaty Biodiversity Museum, part of UBC Science and the Biodiversity Research Centre, opened to the public in October 2010. It’s Vancouver’s only natural history museum, housing over 2 million specimens and more than 500 exhibits in a 20,000 sq ft atrium below a striking 26 m suspended blue whale skeleton.

Collections & Highlights

Blue whale skeleton: One of only 21 on public display, dominating the atrium.
Specimen diversity: Includes vertebrates, marine invertebrates, fish, fossils, herbarium, entomology and marine collections representing BC and global biodiversity.
Interactive galleries: Themed zones like “Natural Disasters”, “Earth Timeline”, and dinosaur trackways encourage exploration.
Discovery Lab & Theatre: Family-friendly space for hands-on experiences, storytelling, and documentary screenings.

Educational & Community Programs
Offers in-person and virtual school programs, immersive exhibitions (“Culture at the Centre”), curator tours, podcasts, and “Beaty Boxes” for remote learning. Hosts exhibitions featuring Indigenous perspectives and art-science collaborations.

Visitor Information

Open: Tue–Sun 10 AM–5 PM (closed Mon, holidays; limited late nights).
Admission: Donation-based (suggested $10).
Accessibility: Fully wheelchair-accessible, includes sensory tours and digital Matterport 360° gallery.
Location: 2212 Main Mall, UBC Vancouver; parkade and transit access nearby.

Assessment
A standout educational resource with immersive, research-backed exhibits and broad programming. Strengths lie in its specimen diversity and family-friendly design. Limitations include its compact footprint and weekday focus—expanding hours and enhancing digital outreach could increase accessibility. Overall, it’s a keystone for biodiversity awareness in Greater Vancouver.