The Paleontological Research Institution is home to many different kinds of collections, ranging from ancient fossil specimens to rare books. Explore the the different types of collections that we care for below.

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Research Collection

PRI’s Research Collection contains over seven million specimens, ranking it among the top ten largest paleontological collections in the United States.

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Public Exhibits

Some of the most remarkable specimens from our Research Collection are used to tell the story of the history of life at our Museum of the Earth.

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Virtual Collection

Over 500 interactive, 3D models of specimens from PRI’s Research Collection, some of which are on display in the Museum of the Earth.

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Library

PRI’s Library contains over 60,000 books and periodicals, most related to the science of paleontology and associated fields.

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Gertrude Wolfner PRI Archives

Papers and other materials associated with prominent paleontologists.