Welcome to the Natural History museum of the Inland Empire!

Visit the Western Science Center, home of the Pacific Mastodon, in Hemet, CA! Opened in 2006, we are one of the largest natural history museums in Riverside County and serve California’s Inland Empire and beyond. Join us as we discover the past, explore the present, and promote a more sustainable future while preserving our region’s ancient history.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Calendar
60 Minute Science: The Elephant in the Room
May 10
60 Minute Science: The Elephant in the Room

Elephants and mammoths and mastodons, oh my! Join Western Science Center Director and paleontologist Dr. Alton Dooley for a deep-dive into the elephant family tree

60 Minute Science: Staining Alive
May 10
60 Minute Science: Staining Alive

Join us at the Western Science Center to explore the intersection of art and science. This small, hands-on natural dye workshop will cover the history and science of how a small insect, Dactylopius coccus, influenced textiles around the world.

Discover the Past, Explore the Present, and Promote a Sustainable Future.