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Museum of the Rockies

About Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman, Montana

About Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman, Montana

About MOR

Mission, Vision, & Values

Who We Serve

Annual Reports + Newsletters

Accolades

About MOR

Located in the heart of the Gallatin Valley, Museum of the Rockies is the premier Montana museum for those seeking to explore the deep history of the Northern Rocky Mountains. As a proud Smithsonian Affiliate and accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, we are dedicated to providing world-class cultural and scientific experiences for visitors of all ages. Our facility is more than just a place to view artifacts; it is a center for active research and community engagement that brings the past to life.

Museum of the Rockies (MOR) is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit institution, college-level division of Montana State University, and one of the leading natural history museums in the United States. 

Located in Bozeman, Montana, the museum inspires curiosity and learning through world-class exhibitions in paleontology, cultural history, science, and astronomy, engaging visitors of all ages.

A World-Class Museum in the Northern Rockies

Our institution is home to the world-renowned Siebel Dinosaur Complex, where you can witness one of the most significant collections of North American dinosaur fossils. Beyond our prehistoric galleries, the museum offers a comprehensive look at the human history of our region, from the traditions of indigenous peoples to the resilience of early Montana settlers in our Paugh History Hall. 

Families can also enjoy immersive journeys through the cosmos at the Taylor Planetarium and explore the sites and science of the first national park in Explore Yellowstone. 

Whether you are a local resident or a visitor to our beautiful state, we invite you to discover why we are a cornerstone of the Bozeman, Montana community and a must-visit destination for anyone passionate about the natural world.

The museum's extensive collection of dinosaur fossils, including one of the largest and most important in the United States, is a major draw for visitors. The museum houses rare and significant specimens that provide valuable insights into the prehistoric world and contribute to scientific research.

Museum of the Rockies is not only a museum but also an active research institution. Its commitment to scientific research and collaboration with academic institutions enhances its credibility and attracts scholars and researchers. The museum's educational programs cater to diverse audiences and offer engaging experiences that promote learning and discovery.

The presence of a state-of-the-art planetarium within the museum adds to its appeal. The Taylor Planetarium offers immersive shows that explore the wonders of the universe, enhancing visitors' understanding and appreciation of astronomy and space exploration.

Being located in the Northern Rocky Mountain region, the museum's exhibits and programs often highlight the unique natural and cultural history of the area. This regional focus allows visitors to connect with the local environment, wildlife, and indigenous cultures, fostering a sense of place and deepening their understanding of the region's heritage.

Museum of the Rockies is known for its high-quality special and primary exhibits, some featuring life-sized dinosaur mounts (comprised of real fossils or replicas), interactive displays, and engaging storytelling techniques. These exhibits captivate visitors of all ages, providing an immersive and educational experience.

The museum actively engages with the local community, offering programs and events that cater to the interests and needs of residents. Its outreach efforts ensure that the museum is not only a tourist destination but also a valuable resource for the community and region it serves.

Mission & Vision Statements

Mission Statement

Museum of the Rockies invites all people to discover natural science and cultural history. The museum’s exhibits, collections, programs, and research create a community resource that brings the world to Montana and shares the Northern Rockies with the world.

Vision Statement

Museum of the Rockies will spark curiosity and invite people of all ages to discover the natural and cultural history of Montana and the Northern Rockies. Through innovation, collaboration, and inclusivity, the museum’s contemporary exhibits, programs, research, and facilities create a valued, iconic community asset that attracts a global audience.

Values Statement

We are committed to the highest standards of professional ethics, scholarship, research, curation, education, outreach, and engagement.

We are inquisitive and inspire our audience to engage in the process of discovery and learning.

We value and encourage creativity, innovation, and resourcefulness.

As a world-class research facility and regional history museum, we anticipate and lead change while striving to meet the needs of our diverse communities.

We recognize and honor the intrinsic reward and inspirational value of excellence in all we do.

We remain open to opportunities and know that responsible risk can yield remarkable results.

We develop and encourage mutually beneficial collaboration that helps further the museum's mission.

We practice ethical and fiscal accountability and strive for transparency and careful stewardship of resources, including collections, staff, facilities, and donations.

We ensure the museum's future with robust financial management of income and expenses; and strong, effective philanthropy and endowment development.

Who We Serve

Museum of the Rockies serves a broad and diverse community in Bozeman, MT, and the greater Northern Rockies region, including visitors, members, educators, students, researchers, and donors who believe in the power of museums to inspire lifelong learning and discovery.

  • Members, Visitors, & Families: Providing world-class exhibitions in paleontology and cultural history, immersive Taylor Planetarium experiences, and hands-on learning for all ages in Bozeman.
  • Educators & Students: Offering curriculum-aligned educational programs, field trips, professional development, and classroom resources that support STEM, Montana history, and cultural literacy.
  • Researchers & Scholars: Granting access to significant paleontological and cultural history collections to advance scientific understanding of our natural and cultural history.
  • Donors & Supporters: Creating meaningful opportunities to invest in world-class exhibitions, accessibility initiatives, and the long-term stewardship of collections that serve the global public good.

Our mission at Museum of the Rockies is advanced through vital philanthropic support, strategic educational partnerships, and active community collaboration. 

Generous gifts from donors and foundations empower our institution to conduct world-class scientific research, expand regional educational access, and provide meticulous care for our paleontological and cultural collections. 

Together, we create immersive exhibitions that inspire and serve learners both locally in the Gallatin Valley and globally.

Annual Reports

View our latest Annual Reports to learn more about our mission, financial stewardship, and impact in Bozeman, MT and the Northern Rockies.

Seasonal Snapshot Newletter

Stay current with life at Museum of the Rockies through our Seasonal Snapshots. From summer dinosaur digs to traveling exhibits, and signature events to educational programming, explore our latest news and updates.

Accolades

Our members, the Bozeman community, and visitors show their appreciation for Museum of the Rockies.

Bozone’s Best of Bozeman Awards

  • Best Place for Kids' Activities: 2009 – 2024
  • Best Place for Family Fun: 2013 – 2024

Bozeman Magazine’s Readers' Choice Awards

  • Best Museum/Historic Site: 2016 – 2024
  • Best Place to Take Your Kids: 2016 – 2021, 2023 – 2024
    • 2022 Runner-up
  • Best Place to Impress Out-of-Town Guests: 2019
    • 2020, 2022 – 2024 Runner-up
  • Most Memorable Event in the Past Year: 2016 Wine and Culinary Classic

Bozeman Daily Chronicle's Gallatin's Greatest Awards

  • People and Places: Museum, 2021 – 2024
  • Best Local Tourism Attraction: 2022
  • Best Family Amusement: 2022

Distinctly Montana Magazine

  • Best History Museum: 2024, 2023 Runner-up
  • Best Museum: 2024, 2023 Runner-up
  • Best Children's Museum: 2023

2021 TripSavvy Editors’ Choice Award for Culture Vultures

Lonely Planet Best Things to in Bozeman

TripAdvisor

  • Top Things To Do In Bozeman
  • Travelers’ Choice (previously Certificate of Excellence): 2012 – 2024

Average Online Review Rating

  • 4.7 out of 5 Stars

Special Thanks to our Generous Access Initiative Sponsors

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit institution, Museum of the Rockies develops and maintains partnerships that help ensure that all Montanans can benefit from our educational services, particularly those who would not otherwise be able to afford it or who face significant barriers. 

MOR serves its community by making the museum’s educational mission accessible to all. MOR partners with Montana public schools and over 30 non-profit organizations to carry out our Access Initiatives free of charge, providing educational enrichment for vulnerable and underserved populations.

Vanguard Sponsor:
Sustaining Sponsors:
First Security Bank, Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation

Diversity & Land Acknowledgement Statements

Read the museum's Statement on Diversity.

Read the museum's Land Acknowledgment Statement.

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@museum_of_the_rockies

© 2026 Museum of the Rockies. All Rights Reserved. | Website Created By: PRIME

© 2026 Museum of the Rockies. All Rights Reserved.
Website Created By: PRIME