
Noah's Ark
Ongoing
Ninety-minute time slots offered
Ongoing
Ninety-minute time slots offered
Prices vary: $7–12
FREE to Members and Children under 2
FREE to all on Thursdays
Ninety-minute time slots offered
Reservations recommended
Includes general admission
*The app is developed for families with developmental disabilities and young children. Available in the App Store and on Google Play.
Visit us aboard Noah’s Ark at the Skirball! This award-winning children's and family destination invites visitors of all generations to play, climb, build, make-believe, and make friends—all while exploring an eight-thousand-square-foot wooden ark filled to the rafters with whimsical animals. Share in a timeless story—and together envision a better world.
Imagine yourself immersed in a favorite childhood tale, which has parallels in cultures all over the world. Conduct a storm, help construct the Ark, and bask in the glow of a beautiful rainbow. Mingle with hundreds of fancifully handcrafted animals—from cuddly companions to life-sized puppets—all crafted from recycled materials and everyday objects, including baseball mitts, mop heads, and rearview mirrors.
"Extraordinary … A celebration of play, inspiring fascination, reviving wonder."—New York Times
Please note: All offerings are subject to change or cancellation.
Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays
Head to the Family Art Studio to enjoy one-of-a-kind art projects themed around Skirball exhibitions, Jewish traditions, and the importance of caring for the world.
Thursdays and Fridays, 2:15 pm
Hear flood tales from around the world, including China, Kenya, and the Americas. Through vibrant storytelling and participatory elements, your imagination will run wild as you become part of the story.
Saturdays and Sundays, 11:15 am
Move to the rhythm! Grab a drum, shaker, or scraper and work with others to follow basic beats, participate in challenges, and build community through music.
Saturday–Sunday until 4:15 pm
Imagine you are an archaeologist at the Archaeology Dig! Sift and sort to find replicas of ancient artifacts buried beneath the sand, weigh and examine your findings, and analyze clues to discover what we have in common with people who lived three thousand years ago.
Ongoing
Featuring archaeological artifacts from the ancient Near East and interactive displays, the Discovery Center invites you to learn about ancient trade routes, burial practices, methods of communication, and more.
A floor-to-ceiling wooden ark, filled to the rafters with fancifully handcrafted animals, awaits visitors aboard Noah’s Ark at the Skirball.
Photo by Grant Mudford
Family fun begins as children and grown-ups gather for the journey and begin to immerse themselves in the ancient flood tale.
Photo by Peter Turman
Three stunning animal sculptures preside over the entrance to the galleries. The Asian elephant’s trunk is crafted from vegetable steamers from Laos, the deer sports shoehorns as ears, and the zebras’ bodies are fabricated from wind turbines and keyboards.
Photo by Grant Mudford
A storm is brewing! At the multi-sensory, interactive “conduct-a-storm” wall, families team up to simulate thunder, rain, wind, and lightning using low-tech, mechanical sound devices. Tugging on a pulley makes the coyote howl, while even young kids can swivel the giraffe’s spectacular neck.
Photo by Grant Mudford
A young visitor pumps air to make leaves whirl while his parents fill a water tank to create waves. Hands-on participation is at the heart of Noah’s Ark at the Skirball.
Photo by Peter Turman
Read more about the making and mission of the Skirball's children's and family destination.
Explore Noah's Ark “from head to tail.”
Are you curious about the inner workings of Noah’s Ark at the Skirball? Discover who built it, where our found-art animals come from, and how we bring our puppets to life. There’s even a rainbow at the end.
Find children’s books, puppets, toys, and games from Audrey’s Museum Store that celebrate the natural world and its wondrous, wild, wooly, scaly, and leafy inhabitants!
Promote justice and build community while enjoying FREE admission, exclusive programs, and more.