The Lion’s Mane: Science in the Serengeti
Through September 7
Why does a lion have a mane? Does the King of Beasts need his mane for protection, or is it a signal of his power and fitness? University of Minnesota researchers Craig Packer and Peyton West were the first to test these two theories—and their research reveals surprising facts about the mane’s true purpose and its role in attracting a mate.

Mysteries in the Mud: Climate Change in the Big Woods
Through September 7
Free with museum admission
Minnesota’s Big Woods has thrived for hundreds of years in a region dominated by prairies. University of Minnesota geologist Bryan Shuman is discovering that changes in the climate a long time ago may have given trees an advantage over prairies. Tag along into the field and then enter a research lab to discover climate change clues in the layers of mud from the bottom of a lake.

Behind the Diorama Glass
Through September 7
Free with museum admission
The Bell Museum is recognized as one of the great treasure houses of diorama art, with examples that trace the historical development of the diorama from its beginnings in the early 20th century to its peak in the 1940s and 1950s. Using historic images, artifacts, and film, this exhibition takes visitors behind the glass to see the people, processes, and cultural environment that led to the popularity of diorama exhibits.

Art of the Wild: An Exhibit Featuring Minnesota’s Federal Duck Stamp Artists
October 7, 2008–January 4, 2009
From notebook sketches by 18th century naturalists to the digitized photographs of today’s most celebrated wildlife photographers, the legacy of natural history art comes alive in Art of the Wild, an exhibit from the Bell Museum’s permanent art collection. The show features more than 100 original paintings, illustrations, watercolors, and photographs from regional and national artists and features such prized works as John James Audubon's original double-elephant folio prints and easel paintings by museum diorama artist Francis Lee Jaques. The exhibit also celebrates the 75th anniversary of the Federal Duck Stamp program with original paintings by Minnesota’s 15 duck stamp winning artists—Minnesota has produced more winning artists than any other state.

Opening Reception: Honoring 75 years of the Federal Duck Stamp Program
October 7, 2008, 7 p.m.
$10/free for members
Celebrate the opening of Art of the Wild and Minnesota’s Federal Duck Stamp winners with a reception recognizing William Webster, founder and retired CEO of the art publishing company Wild Wings, and Joe Hautman, the artist featured on this year’s 75th anniversary Federal Duck Stamp. Webster will discuss his experiences with many of Minnesota’s talented wildlife artists and the role of the Federal Duck Stamp in raising more than $700 million to purchase wetlands for wildlife habitat and conservation. A reception with light refreshments will follow.

The Hidden World of Bears: Photography by Lynn Rogers
Through January 4, 2009
The subject of the popular "The Man Who Walks With Bears" TV documentary, Lynn Rogers, has spent decades learning about wildlife and sharing his findings with the public. As the Wildlife Research Institute’s principal biologist, Rogers uses airplanes, land vehicles, and snowshoes to radio-track more than 100 bears in the vast forests of northeastern Minnesota—studying some for as long as 22 years. The exhibit features Rogers’ remarkable photographs which provide an intimate look at the lives of bears and a understanding of their food habits, maternal care, and social behavior.

Oddities and Curiosities of Nature
Through January 4, 2009
The bizarre and the fantastic take center stage as the museum brings out the most unusual specimens from its scientific collections to illustrate the breathtaking diversity of life on earth. Be prepared to see a giant clam, a mummified pigeon, a "mermaid" skull, the world’s smallest egg, and killer pinecones.