Museum of Riverside to Open Grizzly Bear Exhibit
The California's Grizzlies exhibition debuts this Friday to showcase the state's iconic but vanished predator.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Wildlife

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The Museum of Riverside will open its new exhibit, California's Grizzlies, on Friday, October 30, 2026. The display examines the history of the grizzly bear in the state, which remains a central symbol on the California state flag.
Why it matters
The exhibit provides historical context regarding a species that has not been seen in the wild in Northern California for 100 years. It offers residents an educational look at the animal's former presence across the region.
The exhibit features replicas of grizzly bears and a skull, alongside videos and photographs. It highlights the creature's significance, notably its inclusion on the official state flag.
The players
Museum of Riverside
This local cultural institution serves the community by preserving regional history and hosting educational public exhibitions.
The details
Located at the Orange Terrace Community Center, the exhibit utilizes maps, illustrations, and imagery to detail how the bears once roamed across the state. Visitors can explore the collection to better understand the bear's historical footprint in California.
Timeline
The exhibit is scheduled to open on Friday, October 30, 2026.
The official unveiling event occurs at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, October 30, 2026.
The last wild grizzly was spotted in Northern California 100 years ago.
Culture Shift
The exhibit reflects the cultural significance of the historical presence of the California grizzly bear. This project follows a pattern set by regional institutions that aim to preserve the legacy of California's state symbol.
Residents can visit the Orange Terrace Community Center starting this Friday to experience the historical installation. The exhibit provides a way for local families to engage with state history through a collection of visual media and replicas.
The takeaway
This exhibit helps bridge the gap between California's modern state iconography and the reality of the now-vanished wild grizzly population. Residents can use this opportunity to learn about the historical range of these animals and their role in the state's natural history.
Further reading
For more information on regional conservation and species history, explore the Wildlife section.
More information
View full details and scheduling on the Museum of Riverside information page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by My News LA.
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