Founded in 1934 by Josephine O’Hara in a local elementary school, the Junior Museum & Zoo was the first children’s museum west of the Mississippi and has been a local leader in children’s science education since its inception.
The Museum
Every couple of years, the Museum introduces a new interactive science exhibit that is developed and designed in-house. The exhibit pictured below, Clean Green Energy Machines, introduces children and their families to renewable forms of energy like water, solar, wind, and kid-power. The other current exhibit, Buzzzz, features the amazing lives of insects and spiders.
The Zoo
In 1969, the Museum added a zoo that features more than 50 animals, including bobcats, bats, snakes, hedgehogs, ducks, ferrets, and racoons. The Zoo’s small but diverse collection of wildlife helps children develop a deeper understanding of the natural world and the relationships between people and animals. A favorite since 1969—children love the Rainbow Bridge which crosses the duck pond.
Junior Museum & Zoo 1451 Middlefield Road Palo Alto, CA 94301 Phone: 650-329-2111 Fax: 650-473-1965
Last Updated: Sep 12, 2012
Community Services 1451 Middlefield Road Palo Alto, CA 94301 T. 650-329-2111 F. 650-473-1965
