Matt Bates/College Photographer
From vital pollinators to nature’s most playful moments, Chico State Science Gate Museum Featuring a pair of new exhibits to please the curious and the light-hearted.
“Bombos! The natural history of bumblebees“Brings to life the beauty, ecological importance and joy of these charismatic bees. With our state being home to over 1,600 species of bees, 25 species of bumblebees are also native to California. Featuring incredibly detailed photographs by John Whittlesey, this book will See bumblebees like never before.
“We are honored to have the works of two Chico legends, John Whittlesey and Jennifer Jewell, here at Gateway,” said Adrienne McGraw, director of the Gateway Science Museum. “Visitors will learn how important bumblebees are to our environment and how we can all help save the bees.”
Exploring the importance of knowing and protecting bumblebees and their habitats, “Bombus” includes documentary audio/video modules, historical and current data on bumblebees, and interactive educational activities for all ages. “Bombus” will run until summer 2024.
The Gateway’s second new exhibition for fall 2023 is sure to brighten visitors’ days. “Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards“Capturing nature at its most candid and playful. In Chico’s debut, dozens of animal friends are caught being goofy, expressive and surprised. From a bad-tempered tortoise to a sleepy gorilla, these images will put a smile on everyone’s faces.”
“One of the goals of the International Wildlife Comedy Photography Awards is to show animals as unique creatures with their own personalities,” McGraw said. “The photos really capture moments of surprise, ferocity or just foolishness. I hope people find enjoyment in the photos and think about wildlife in new ways.”
The “Wildlife Comedy Photography Awards” exhibition continues until January 13, 2024.
Also continuing at Gateway is its paleontology lab, where expert paleontologists and trainee paleontologists from Chico State’s Department of Geological Sciences prepare fossils from the field. Visitors can get a first-hand look at the museum’s resident scientists at work on Fridays from noon to 3 p.m
in addition to, Gate Gardens Offering a glimpse into Northern California’s diverse and distinct ecological regions, visitors entering the museum will pass a pair of beautiful murals created by Chico State art students in 2019 and 2021.
The Gateway Science Museum is open to the public Thursday through Saturday from 11am to 4pm and is located at 625 Esplanade. Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for children and students, and free for Chico State students and museum members. For more information, call 530-898-5130 or visit csushiko.edu/gateway/.
To consider a donation to the Science Gateway Museum, please visit the website Giving page. Annual memberships Also available.
Those who need accommodations at the Gateway Science Museum or who have questions about accessibility can contact the Accessibility Resource Center at 530-898-5959.
Sean Murphy (English, ’97) is media relations coordinator at Chico State. When he’s not writing press releases, pitching news ideas to the media, or answering media inquiries, he writes about human interest stories, sports, the outdoors, and outstanding students, staff, and faculty at Chico State.
