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Bombus! The Natural History of Bumble Bees

  • Description
  • Specs
  • Schedule

Description

Drawing on the scientific name for bumble bees, Bombus! The Natural History of Bumble Bees brings to life the beauty, ecological importance, and joy of California’s charismatic native bees.

Bombus melanopygus, Black Tail Bumble Bee on Salvia. Photograph by John Whittlesey.
Bombus crotchii, Crotch’s Bumble Bee, on Redbud. Photograph by John Whittlesey.
Bombus fervidus, Yellow Bumble Bee on California poppy. Photograph by John Whittlesey.


California is home to an astounding 1600+ species of native bees, but few of us are aware of the 25 species of bumblebees native to our state – that’s about half the total number of bumble bee species in the U.S. 

Through the extensive and exquisitely detailed photography by plantsman and longtime bumble bee enthusiast and observer, John Whittlesey, Bombus! The Natural History of Bumble Bees brings home to audiences the critical role bumble bees play in our native ecosystems and why it is more important than ever that we know and protect bumble bees and their habitats.  Bombus! The Natural History of Bumble Bees will also include documentary audio/video modules, historical and current bumble bee data, and hands-on, interactive science and learning activities for all ages.

Bombus! The Natural History of Bumble Bees is created by John Whittlesey and co-produced by  Jennifer Jewell and Gateway Science Museum. The exhibition tours through Exhibit Envoy, a nonprofit.

Bombus vosnesenskii, Yellow-Faced bumble bee on Buckwheat, Eriogonum species. Photograph by John Whittlesey.

Specs

Audience:
General
Rental Fee:
$2,000 + shipping for an 8-week booking
Size:
800 – 1,400 sq. ft. (flexible: install as much or as little as fits your space!)
Shipping:
In 2 crates via van line
Languages:
English
Security:
Moderate

Exhibit Components:

  • 25 colorful, documentary photographs of bumble bees and other pollinators mounted on canvas, as well as accompanying labels
  • 16 text panels sharing the science behind and importance of bumble bees
  • 4 “diary” text panels, featuring narrative text about the experiences of the artists in documenting bumble bees
  • 2 hand-sewn graphic art banners by Jennifer Jewell
  • Lo-tech visitor interactives for use within the gallery
  • Soundtrack of bee sounds for use within the gallery
  • Press kit, programming suggestions, branding style guide, and topical resource listings

Schedule and Availability

June 1, 2025 – July 27, 2025
AVAILABLE IF BOOKED BY MARCH 15, 2025
August 17, 2025 – October 12, 2025
AVAILABLE
November 2, 2025 – December 28, 2025
AVAILABLE
January 18, 2026 – March 15, 2026
AVAILABLE
April 5, 2026 – May 31, 2026
AVAILABLE
June 21, 2026 – August 16, 2026
AVAILABLE
September 6, 2026 – November 1, 2026
AVAILABLE
November 22, 2026 – January 17, 2027
Booking Pending
February 7, 2027 – April 4, 2027
Booking Pending
April 25, 2027 – June 20, 2027
AVAILABLE
July 11, 2027 – September 5, 2027
AVAILABLE
September 26, 2027 – November 21, 2027
AVAILABLE
December 12, 2027 – February 6, 2028
AVAILABLE

Contact us to book this exhibition!

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