PROVO, UTAH
For more than three decades, Brigham Young University's Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum has been a place where natural science and the wonders of God's creation are discovered, explored and celebrated as one. The museum functions as both a vibrant on-campus research facility for BYU students and instructors and a popular destination for families and folks from all corners of the community.
Opened in 1978, the Bean museum offers visitors "a unique opportunity for people to see things they would not ordinarily see," said Larry St. Clair, the museum's director and a biology professor at the Church-owned university.
An hour or two spent wandering the galleries of the museum could double as the world's most extensive — and inexpensive — safari. There are thousands of animals on display ranging from the world's largest land mammal (the elephant, of course), a pack of hyenas, menacing bears, hammerhead sharks and a sprawling menagerie of bugs, beetles and birds.
The museum itself is a growing work in progress. Last year the university's board of trustees approved a 30,000-square-foot addition to the museum. Construction of the addition is expected to begin this summer on the east side of the current museum building and will include as its anchor a collection of bird woodcarvings, paintings and illustrations by President Boyd K. Packer, President of the Quorum of the Twelve.
President Packer's artwork will be on permanent display inside the new addition "and will celebrate the work of the Creator," said Brother St. Clair.
The Church leader has enjoyed a lifelong love for both wildlife and art. A renowned bird enthusiast, President Packer feels that God's presence can be experienced through His creations.
The Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum will be closed during part of the construction project, so visitors would be wise to regularly check the facilities website, mlbean.byu.edu, for updates on closure dates. While the museum will not be open to the public for a time, the research at the facility will not be interrupted during construction.
In the meantime, Brother St. Clair recommends that visitors take a pre-expansion visit to the museum and schedule a tour. Several new self-guided tour features are available for visitors with iPads, iPhones or other mobile devices.
Scout troops, Primary groups and families with children of all ages can also contact the museum and request a live animals show. As always, there is no admission charge for tours or live animals shows.
The museum is located at 645 E. 1430 North in Provo, on the BYU campus. Hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Sunday.
