A grand entrance to the new John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove (photos by Luke Fanke, Audubon). A view of some new Audubon Center exhibits.

The Grand Opening of the new John James Audubon Center outside Philadelphia June 4th heralded interactive and family-friendly ways to explore the legacy of famed ornithologist John James Audubon and the conservation movement he inspired. It houses two galleries for art and conservation displays, permanent exhibits with multi-sensory experiences, and outdoor activities. The new Audubon Center showcases the beauty, variety, songs, and flight of birds.

In 1819, Audubon declared his intention to paint every bird in North America, resulting in his world-renowned body of work of 435 images known as the Birds of America. In this gallery, visitors can view one of the few surviving first editions of Birds of America, and a life-sized digital version of Birds of America will captivate guests as they browse Audubon’s illustrations of featured species.

The Audubon Center, in partnership with Montgomery County, Pennsylvania and the national Audubon Society, opened the new 18,000-square-foot museum and nature-based facility. Children and families can visit the Sound Forest to experience bird songs in different habitats;

learn about bird banding and its modern role in migration research, and “take flight” as they discover how birds’ wings work. Visitors can trace the migration patterns of favorite flocks of birds via a digital flyway map, and take close looks at bird feathers and nests.

“John James Audubon has inspired generations of birders and naturalists. This new museum offers an unmatched experience at Mill Grove to learn about his life in the early 1800s and how the wonders of birds, science, and conservation have become a part of America’s way of life,” said David Yarnold, president and CEO of the National Audubon Society. “There is something here for everyone that will spark intrigue in budding naturalists, birders, and scientists, who will carry on Audubon’s work protecting birds and the places they need for decades to come. We’re proud to have partnered with Montgomery County and alongside community leaders to make this center for art and conservation possible.”

Chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners, Dr. Val Arkoosh, shared that “Montgomery County has preserved more than 6,000 acres of public open land, which includes seven parks, four historic sites and over 90 miles of trails in our regional network. Our wealth of green space and native wildlife are said to have inspired the work of a young Audubon and we treasure that heritage. We are proud to include the John James Audubon Center at our historic Mill Grove site among our list of premier Montgomery County attractions and welcome the new museum as a destination for our residents and visitors to connect with nature.”

For more information about the new John James Audubon Center, visit https://www.audubon.org/news/john-james-audubon-center-opens-historic-mill-grove#8