Renowned wildlife scientist
The science and conservation legacy of Dr. Jane Goodall will be celebrated in the west coast premiere of Becoming Jane: The Evolution of Dr. Jane Goodall, a new exhibition on view at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (NHM), 900 Exposition Blvd., from Nov. 7 through April 17, 2022.
Produced in partnership with the National Geographic Society and the Jane Goodall Institute, the exhibition explores Goodall’s life from her early years as an intrepid young woman with a dream to learn about animals in Africa, to her years establishing herself as a renowned scientist in Gombe, Tanzania to her current role as an activist, mentor and advocate for creating a better world for all life on Earth. This exhibition debuted at the National Geographic Museum in Washington, D.C. in November 2019 and has since traveled to the Field Museum in Chicago.
“We are honored to present this marvelous exhibition and share Jane Goodall’s journey with audiences from all over the world,” said Dr. Lori Bettison-Varga, president and director of the Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County. “As we emerge from the past year and continue on a path towards healing, Dr. Goodall’s life and work provide an unparalleled example of how curiosity can lead to environmental stewardship with tremendous impact.”
Widely known for her innovative approach to animal behavior research, Goodall traveled to what is now Tanzania’s Gombe Stream National Park and immersed herself by observing chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Her work studying the lives of chimpanzees in the wild captured the imagination of the world. Rather than seeing the animals as subjects, she came to know them as individuals with personalities and emotions—a notion once rejected by the scientific world, yet now considered revolutionary. Her story—one of fearless determination, curiosity, the pursuit of knowledge and a passionate love of the natural world—has resonated with generations of people around the globe.
“Jane Goodall has been inspiring National Geographic audiences, young and old, for over half a century,” said Kathryn Keane, vice president of Public Programming at the National Geographic Society. “This exhibition allows us to experience her amazing life story in a highly personal and powerful way. Through immersive media, authentic scenic and interactives, this exhibition takes visitors into the field and around the world with Jane, walking in her shoes and experiencing her powerful message of hope firsthand.”
The exhibition includes a multiscreen experience introducing visitors to Goodall’s work, alongside surprising encounters with digitally rendered chimpanzees.
Visit NHM.ORG/becoming-jane for updated information and to purchase tickets. The presentation at NHM is made possible by the Annenberg Foundation with additional support from Bank of America and Visionary Women.
