Spider Pavilion | Natural History Museum of Los Angeles
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T. rex Growth Series
The new Dinosaur Hall features the world's only Tyrannosaurus rex growth series. This series, which features a young adult, 30-foot Thomas the T. rex, a 20-foot juvenile, and a 10-foot baby, offers an unrivaled look at the ways T. rex grew.
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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. Learn more >
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Spider Pavilion
Open Again September 25 Through November 6!
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 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. Get Tickets >
Mark your calendars for these Special Events
Fascinating Flashlight Tours
October 21 & 28
5pm - 8:30pm
We‘re keeping the Spider Pavilion open late for exciting nighttime exploration and guided tours by flashlight. Open until 8:30 pm. Free with Pavilion admission. Complimentary flashlight and commemorative pin while supplies last.
Dinosaurs vs Spiders Overnight Adventure
October 21-22
Two of our favorite subjects come together in this special sleepover. For families with children 5 years and older. Learn more.
8th Annual Haunted Museum VIP Party
October 23
Fairy Tales & Scary Tales: Which tale will you follow? The Museum will be transformed into magical wonderlands and sinister woods. Perfect event for the whole costumed family! For Naturalist Members and above. Learn more.
Haunted Museum Spooky Scavenger Hunt
October 24-31 All day
Creepy sea creatures, snapping jaws and legends of mythical animals, they're mysteries in the galleries waiting for you to solve. Journey through the Museum to find clues and find treasure at the end. Free with general Museum admission.
Halloween Festival
October 30
11am - 4pm
Join us for a fun family festival complete with a costume parade. Trick-or-treat in the Museum galleries and enjoy festive activities all afternoon at the Pavilion. Free with general Museum admission.
Welcome to the world of arachnids
Before you go into the pavilion, be sure to spend some quality time in our Pavilion’s programming area, which is designed to acclimate you to the spider exhibit experience. Learn all about arachnids in general 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. View more >
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.
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.
