Spider Pavilion | Natural History Museum of Los Angeles
First Fridays: Science is Sexy
Our latest installment of what might be L.A.’s hottest, smartest nighttime event starts January 4, 2013. Come have a cocktail, explore the Museum after hours, and get enlightened.
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Support Today's Scientists, Inspire Tomorrow's Scientists
When you give to the Museum, you support our scientists' research on the planet's biodiversity. You are also creating tomorrow's scientists. Our teacher resources make each field trip a learning experience, our education outreach brings the science of discovery to schools all over L.A.
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Spider Pavilion
Open September 23 - November 4, 2012
Our one-of-a-kind Spider Pavilion is a beautifully landscaped area on the Museum’s South Lawn where spiders freely spin their spectacular webs for all to see.
Tickets
Tickets are sold in half-hour intervals throughout the day at a rate of $3 for adults, $2 for students and seniors, and $1 for children. Museum Members receive free admission. Tickets can be purchased at any Museum admissions desk or at the Spider Pavilion itself. The Pavilion is open every day of the week from 10 am to 5 pm, with the last tickets sold at 4:30 pm.
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Welcome to the World of Arachnids!
Before you enter the Spider Pavilion, spend some quality time in the programming area, which is designed to acclimate you to the spider exhibit experience. Learn about spiders and see cases containing special rarely displayed specimens from the Museum’s living collections. Also, take a look at when we've scheduled some our special spider programs that will help to engage the visitor with the exhibit. We've selected some of our favorite pictures over the years to share with you.
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Discover the Truth About Spiders
Examine our free-range spiders in a comfortable, safe, and immersive environment. Our knowledgeable staff is there to guide your experience. Go ahead, ask lots of questions and find out everything you want to know. There is a great deal to learn about these wonderful animals, and you may be surprised at how much false information about spiders has been buzzing around in your head.
Meet some of the folks behind the Spider Pavilion
Curators' Favorites
Giant wood spider
Nephila maculata
This is the largest species of orb weaving spider in the world. Although it is the size of a chocolate chip cookie, it is not in any way dangerous to humans and can be easily approached. The webs that this species constructs are equally impressive. They can measure up to ten feet across and are strong enough to catch a small bird.
Golden silk spider
Nephila clavipes
This is the largest species of orb weaving spider found in the US. Common in many of the Gulf states, this species can produce webs that are up to three feet in diameter. The silk that they use is one of the strongest biological fibers known to man – five times the tensile strength of steel.
Jewel garden spiders
Araneus sp.
Common in gardens and parks throughout the U.S., these spiders are not generally noticed because they tend not to sit out on the webs they produce. They prefer to build silken retreats near their webs and only dart out from them when prey is detected.
Common orb weavers
Neoscona sp.
These spiders are the most commonly seen orb weavers in the Los Angeles area. At certain times of year, especially the fall months, they can be incredibly numerous. They are not at all dangerous to people and can be easily handled, but prefer not to be removed from the webs that they produce.
