The scales of a butterfly wing, the skeleton of a bird. You'll see life differently at the Project Lab—a window into the day-to-day work of our more than 60 active scientists and 400 associated researchers.

The Project Lab is a multi-user, state-of-art lab outfitted with the equipment researchers use to prepare, process, and catalog specimens for the Academy’s research collections and exhibits. Intended to blur the line between lab and public exhibit, it features overhead cameras that deliver close-up views of the science happening inside.

Grab a seat on the outside benches to watch the meticulous work involved in photographing, preparing, and describing museum specimens, or join us in front of the Project Lab for some of the Academy's most popular daily programs.