“Becoming Jane” Opening at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History

Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE, founder of the Jane Goodall Institute & UN Messenger of Peace—has created an indelible legacy in the fields of science and conservation—a legacy celebrated in “Becoming Jane: The Evolution of Dr. Jane Goodall,” a new exhibition opening at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History (FWMSH) on May 24, 2025.

Produced in partnership with the National Geographic Society and the Jane Goodall Institute, the exhibition explores Dr. Goodall’s life from her early years as an intrepid young woman with a dream to learn about animals in Africa, to her years establishing herself as a renowned scientist in Gombe, Tanzania to her present role as an activist, mentor and advocate for creating a better world for all life on Earth. “Becoming Jane” will remain open at FWMSH until September 1, 2025.

Widely known for her innovative approach to animal behavior research, Dr. Goodall traveled to what is now Tanzania’s Gombe National Park and immersed herself in observing chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Her work studying the lives of chimpanzees in the wild captured the imagination of the world. Rather than seeing the animals as subjects, she came to know them as individuals with personalities and emotions—a notion once rejected by the scientific world, yet now considered revolutionary. Her story—one of fearless determination, curiosity, the pursuit of knowledge and a passionate love of the natural world—has resonated with generations of people around the globe.

Erik (HASH) Hersman from Orlando, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

“Dr. Goodall has made tremendous strides in understanding wildlife in Africa and this exhibition offers visitors the opportunity to learn about her innovative research techniques and passion for nature,” said Emily Dunham, chief campus and experiences officer at the National Geographic Society. “From reading her hand-written notes to exploring memories from her childhood to a life-sized hologram of Dr. Goodall, visitors young and old will experience her legacy and powerful message of hope firsthand.” Highlights from the exhibition include:

• A multiscreen experience where visitors are introduced to Dr. Goodall’s extraordinary work, alongside surprising encounters with virtually rendered chimpanzees.
• A replica of Dr. Goodall’s research tent where, in a hands-on experience, visitors can envision themselves as scientists jotting down observations in their field journal.
• A hologram-like projection of Dr. Goodall who shares her memories in Gombe and recalls her thoughts, feelings, impressions and lessons learned while living among chimpanzees.
• An immersive projection of Tanzania’s Gombe National Park
• Interactive augmented reality (AR) activities, including one in which visitors can test their skills at matching the pant-hoot vocalization of a chimpanzee.
• Updates on the current state of Gombe National Park and the chimpanzee range in Africa, along with the work of the innovative scientists and conservationists who are following in Dr. Goodall’s footsteps.
• A call to action to visitors from Dr. Goodall to join her, the Jane Goodall Institute and National Geographic in an effort to ensure a more sustainable future for us all.
• A pledge station where visitors can share what actions they will take to help Dr. Goodall in her mission.

“We are honored to bring “Becoming Jane” to Fort Worth,” said Museum President, Regina Faden, Ph.D. “Jane Goodall’s story is one of curiosity, courage, and compassion, and it resonates with people of all ages. This exhibit brings her journey to life in a way that’s inspiring, hands-on, and communicates a call to action for future generations.”

On May 23, the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History will be hosting an exclusive morning preview for VIP supporters and select media. That same day, Museum Members will receive an entire day of early access to the exhibit from 10 AM-5 PM. “Becoming Jane” will open to the public on Saturday, May 24 at 10 AM.

“I hope that those who visit the Becoming Jane exhibit will realize we’re part of the natural world and we depend on it for air, water, everything,” said Dr. Goodall. “It is so important to remember that each one of us has a role to play in helping to heal the harm that we have inflicted on Mother Earth. That we each make an impact every day, and we have a choice as to what sort of impact we make.”

For a deeper dive into Jane Goodall’s legacy, Museum guests can watch the award-winning documentary “Jane Goodall: Reasons for Hope”, which is now playing in the Museum’s Jane & John Justin Foundation Omni Theater.

The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 AM – 5 PM, and Sunday, Noon – 5 PM. Special hours may apply. The exhibit is included with Museum admission or membership. Admission is $14 for seniors, $16 for adults, $12 for juniors, and free for children under two years old. Tickets can be reserved online at www.fwmuseum.org.