SKELETONS: Museum of Osteology
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4.8(170)yelp
FossilsScience
Overview
The Museum of Osteology, located in Oklahoma City, U.S., is a private museum devoted to the study of bones and skeletons (osteology). The museum displays over 450 skeletons of animal species from all over the world. With another 7,000 specimens as part of the collection, but not on display, it is the largest privately held collection of osteological specimens in the world.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration1.5-2.5 hours
Best TimeThis unique indoor skeletal museum is an all-weather year-round pick. Target weekday afternoons (Tuesday-Friday) from 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM after morning school field trips depart, giving you unhindered access to study over 450 real animal skeletons ranging from tiny birds to a massive humpback whale.
Getting ThereSituated in southern suburban OKC at 10301 S Sunnylane Rd. No rapid transit serves this outer ring; driving is required. Take I-35 South to Exit 122 (SE 89th St), head east to Sunnylane Rd, and turn right. Drive south for 1.5 miles to find the museum's free private parking lot.
Travel Tips
- Located near the southern industrial sector, this facility offers free private parking; hide all baggage and valuables out of sight as vehicle break-ins occasionally occur around dusk.
- Over 450 real animal and human skeletons are displayed; while photography is permitted, law strictly prohibits touching any exposed, unshielded fragile fossil or proboscidean osteological specimens.
- Due to narrow and compact exhibition pathways, oversized double strollers or rolling luggage are banned in main halls; families must utilize front-facing baby carriers instead.
Reviews
Positive
- Housing over 800 real animal and human skeletons from humpback whales to tiny birds. The visual impact is incredible; a high-tech and unique science museum.
- Excellent signage accompanies each skeleton along with photos of the live animal. The science is educational, with hands-on bone puzzle zones for kids.
- Though the exterior looks unassuming, the inside galleries are kept incredibly clean and completely odorless, with compact exhibits and clear signage.
- As a rare professional museum dedicated to osteology, tickets are highly affordable. Viewing rare collections of this scale offers immense value.
Heads up
- The location is quite isolated in an industrial/residential area south of downtown. Public transit doesn't reach it, making ride-sharing expensive.
- The entire building is only two floors and small. If you skip reading the descriptions, you will finish browsing in 40 minutes, making the tour feel short.
- Because the indoor rooms are compact and dense, school field trips or weekend family rush turn the space noisy and congested, degrading the experience.
- There are no restaurants or cafes inside, only basic bottled water and snacks at the front desk. Gift shop merchandise is overpriced; bring your own food.