37°52′16.18″N122°15′43.24″W / 37.8711611°N 122.2620111°W /37.8711611; -122.2620111
 The University of California Museum of Paleontology is located within the Valley Life Sciences Building | |
 | |
| Established | 1921 (1921) |
|---|---|
| Location | Berkeley, California |
| Type | Natural history museum |
| Director | Charles R. Marshall |
| Website | ucmp |
TheUniversity of California Museum of Paleontology (UCMP) is apaleontology museum located on the campus of theUniversity of California, Berkeley.
The museum is within the Valley Life Sciences Building (VLSB), designed byGeorge W. Kelham and completed in 1930.[1][2] Its collections are primarily intended for research and are, thus, not accessible to the public. A limited number of fossils from the collection is on display in the VLSB.[3] Although located on the Berkeley campus, the museum is the primary locality for storing fossils collected statewide. The original fossils, around which the current collection has grown, were those gathered as part of theCalifornia Geological Survey from 1860 to 1867.
UCMP was one of the first museums to have its ownwebsite in the early 1990s, due to its location within a technology-oriented university with a goodInternet connection. The site has been applauded for its use of visually appealing graphics,[4] was nominated for aWebby Award five times, and received a medal from theSmithsonian Institution. It also had a cameo appearance in the movieDeep Impact, albeit under an incorrect name.[citation needed]
Annie Montague Alexander was the first benefactor of the museum, and led some early expeditions.[5]
Many notable paleontologists have worked as staff at UCMP. Dates given after each name indicate when the person was part of the university faculty or working in the museum.
The UCMP is primarily a research museum and thus our collections are not open to the public. However, we do have a limited number of fossil exhibits on display outside of the collection. These can be viewed, free of charge, any time the Valley Life Sciences Building is open (see building hours and location).
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| Other | |
