Dioramas — a distinctive fusion of art and science — have provided windows into the wilderness for generations of museum visitors. Each display, meticulously crafted by hand, is an intimate view into an ecosystem.

There are 37 dioramas at the Academy, the majority of which were created between the 1930s and 1960s. At the time they were made, dioramas provided a rare opportunity to experience faraway places and wildlife.

Today, their magic and drama remain intact. Standing in front of a diorama is an experience unlike any other, a truly magnificent way to experience this breathtaking artistry up close.

The North American Hall dioramas on the first level feature animals such as bison, musk ox, bears, deer, mountain sheep and moose. Wildlife from Africa and Asia can be found on the second level. Animals from Africa include the lion, zebra, okapi, cape buffalo, gorilla and antelope. Animals from Asia include tigers, takin, kiang, pandas and a yak. Dioramas featuring the extinct passenger pigeon and Labrador duck are located on the third level.