National Museum of Natural History

Unique Creations of Nature (long term assembly of temporary exhibits):

• Provides knowledge about extinct & endangered animals of India with special reference to cats
• Display of striking difference between Cheetah and Leopard, Deer and Black buck
• Knowledge about largest & smallest terrestrial mammal, herbivore, carnivore, bone crusher and much more interesting facts & exciting information

Bio-diversity Gallery

• Mockery of Similipal Reserve Forest at the entrance depicting wildlife in natural habitat in realistic pass through form
• Importance of Sal Tree and biodiversity existing in the Sal Tree population
• Origin, Index, Importance and related facts about Mahanadi River
• Information and exhibits on wetlands (both on national and international importance)
• Realistic diorama of Bhitarkanika Reserve Forest
• Exhibits on Crocodiles, Olive Ridley sea turtles, Irrawaddy dolphins etc
• Diorama on Chilika Lake, Andaman Nicobar Island

North East Biodiversity Gallery:

Depicts North East India, a land synonymous with beauty & diversity is part of Himalayan and Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot. It is a reservoir of many endemic and rare plants and animals. Biodiversity of Kaziranga, Loktak Lake, Namdapha, Dzukou valley, is beautifully presented in a dioramic form. Besides, biodiversity of birds, primates, orchids, rhododendrons, bamboos & herpeto-fauna of north east is presented in a lucid & easily understandable way

African Gallery:

World's largest egg of extinct Elephant bird, fossils, Ammonites, African Savannah painting, Skeleton of African Black Rhinoceros and Butterflies of Madagascar etc. have been displayed in this gallery & look for a rare mounted specimen of Cheetah which is extinct from India.

Herpeto-fauna:

Real specimens of different species of frogs, snakes, lizards & turtles found in Odisha well preserved in formalin.

Body's Hardware:

• Comparison of skeleton of human with other animals
• Knowledge on how bird’s bones are different from mammals and snake
• Learning about modification of limbs in different animal groups

Insect Corner:

Some common insects & their life-cycle are depicted to know more about ecological role played in the environment. Participatory exhibit on interesting facts about hornets & other wasps through LCD monitor displayed along with hornet nest.

Discovery Centre:

• Information on the fastest, largest and longest of all animals
• Information about amazing plants and animals
• Measuring activity for children to compare their height against a giraffe
• Search activity (mocking & participatory) for shells of the sea shore and unfolding treasure of life in sea.

Elephant and Whale Skeleton:

• Ridden wild tusker displayed under suspended condition in central dome.
• A 47 ft. long skeleton of baleen whale (Bryde's Whale)
• A 32 ft. long Toothed Whale (Sperm Whale) and complete skeleton of African black rhino are the prime attractant to visitors to this museum.

Intangible Natural heritage of Odisha:

• Depicting information on INH existing in the mythology related traditions and practices i.e. Nabakalebar of Lord Jagannatha
• Medicinal INH of Odisha
• Trade and Business related INH facts
• INH in popular culture and art of Odisha
• Impact of loss of INH on Environment and society of Odisha