The Museum of the Rockies, located on the campus of Montana State University in Bozeman, houses what is widely recognized as the largest and most scientifically significant dinosaur collection in the Western Hemisphere. The Siebel Dinosaur Complex, the museum's centerpiece, presents a permanent exhibition built primarily around fossils excavated in Montana's fossil-rich badlands—principally the Two Medicine and Hell Creek formations—by paleontologist Jack Horner, whose more than three decades of fieldwork transformed scientific understanding of dinosaur biology and behavior.
The collection includes the largest known Tyrannosaurus rex skull ever found, multiple T. rex specimens displayed across various growth stages, and the holotype specimens of several species first described from Montana material. Most notably, Maiasaura peeblesorum—the 'good mother lizard'—was discovered by Horner and his team in 1978, and the associated nesting site evidence provided the first scientific proof of parental care behavior in dinosaurs, fundamentally changing how paleontologists understood dinosaur social structure. The exhibition also includes Triceratops specimens, ankylosaurs, hadrosaurs, and Jurassic-era sauropods.
The Siebel Complex takes a scientific narrative approach, guiding visitors through themed galleries addressing dinosaur growth, behavior, migration, and extinction. Life-sized skeletal mounts are complemented by fossil preparation windows where visitors can observe technicians working on newly excavated specimens in real time. Beyond the Dinosaur Hall, the museum's permanent galleries include Paleo Halls covering prehistoric mammal life, a Native Peoples of the Rockies gallery documenting Indigenous cultures of the northern Rockies from earliest occupation to the contemporary era, and a Living History Farm recreating a Montana homestead of the 1890s and 1900s. The museum operates as both a public institution and an active research center affiliated with Montana State University, with field crews continuing to excavate Montana's fossil beds each summer.
Location
600 W Kagy Blvd, Bozeman, MT 59717
45.6626, -111.0489 View on map
Highlights
- World's largest T. rex skull and multiple T. rex specimens displayed across growth stages
- Original Maiasaura nesting site material that provided the first evidence of parental care in dinosaurs
- Live fossil preparation laboratory windows where visitors can watch technicians cleaning newly excavated specimens
- Siebel Dinosaur Complex featuring life-size skeletal mounts of Triceratops, hadrosaurs, and sauropods
- Native Peoples of the Rockies gallery documenting Indigenous cultures from prehistoric times to today
Tips for visiting
- The fossil preparation lab windows are most active on weekdays—ask museum staff about the current technician schedule on arrival
- Summer mornings are the quietest visiting time; large school groups tend to arrive on weekday afternoons in May and June
- The Siebel Dinosaur Complex alone warrants at least 90 minutes; budget 3–4 hours to cover all permanent galleries
- Children under 5 enter free; the T. rex growth-stage gallery is particularly captivating for young visitors
- The museum gift shop carries paleontology books and Montana fossil replicas that make distinctive purchases
Accessibility
The Museum of the Rockies is fully wheelchair accessible, with ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms throughout all public gallery areas including the Siebel Dinosaur Complex and the Paleo Halls. Some exterior paths at the Living History Farm have uneven terrain that may be challenging for mobility-device users.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How long does a full visit take?
The Dinosaur Complex alone typically takes 1.5–2 hours; visitors touring all permanent galleries should plan 3–4 hours. The living history farm exterior adds additional time in summer.
Is the museum appropriate for young children?
Yes. Life-sized skeletal mounts and the fossil preparation windows are highly engaging for children of all ages, and children under 5 enter free.
Is the museum English-language friendly?
Yes. All gallery labels, interpretive panels, and audio materials are in English. The museum does not currently offer multilingual programming as a standard feature.
Is the museum wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The museum is fully wheelchair and mobility-device accessible throughout its main galleries, including the Siebel Dinosaur Complex, the Paleo Halls, and the Native Peoples gallery. Some exterior areas of the living history farm have uneven terrain.