Ok. I’ll admit it….I love Mike Rowe. Dirty Jobs was one of my favorite shows before we gave up cable television and one episode in particular always stood out in my memory. Of course, I am talking about the episode in which Mike visited Skulls Unlimited and learned the fabulously dirty horrors of cleaning skulls. I was very excited in 2010 when I found out that the owner of Skulls Unlimited, Jay Villemarette, was opening a whole museum dedicated to Osteology (the branch of anatomy dealing with the skeleton) right here in Oklahoma.
The Museum of Osteology is home to nearly 300 skeletons from all corners of the world. The specimens range from tiny mice and shrew skeletons to a 40-foot humpback whale and everything imaginable in between. The Museum is designed with education in mind. Each exhibit gives visitors insight into adaptation, locomotion, and comparative anatomy among other things. More than just looking at skeletons, visitors are able to compare and contrast species, see the effects of disease, follow the adaptations of species and more.
The Explorer’s Corner is a hands-on experience with real animal skulls that visitors can handle. Young and old can test their knowledge as they try to match skulls with their species.
The Museum also offers a gift shop with truly unique gifts and educational items. The Museum does not sell food, but does offer bottled water in the gift shop. Food and drinks are not allowed in the Museum, but there is a covered picnic pavilion outside where visitors are welcome to enjoy packed snacks or lunches.
The specimens on display mesmerized both of my children at ages 2 and 5. I was surprised at how interested they both were, not only in looking at the skeletons, but in hearing about each one as my husband and I read and explained the descriptions to them. We spent more than two hours carefully examining each skeleton and talking about the science behind them. My son especially loved the Explorer’s Corner where he spent most of his time matching skulls with their species and trying to guess which was which.
Whether you are looking for a unique educational outing or just a fun way to spend an afternoon, the Museum of Osteology will not disappoint.
Where to Go:
The Museum of Osteology
10301 S Sunnylane Rd, OKC
405-814-0006
www.museumofosteology.org
When to Go:
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday, 1-5 p.m.
How to Save:
Museum admission is $8 for ages 13 & up and $7 for ages 3 – 12, but you can save $1 off admission for up to 4 people with a MetroFamily Kids Pass Coupon good through April 30, 2017.
