For immediate release.

Fall Head Over Shell for “Turtles” this Summer

Discover the World of “Turtles” at Fernbank, opening June 7

ATLANTA, GA, May 6, 2025 — Guests are invited to uncover the secrets beneath the shell when “Turtles” opens at Fernbank on June 7, featuring live turtles, interactive experiences, and more. This summer, the museum will dive into the world of turtles through a new exhibit that showcases the incredible diversity, adaptations and conservation stories of these ancient reptiles.

“Turtles” uncovers the unique anatomy and fascinating behaviors of these resilient species. This exhibit features live specimens and daily live animal presentations that will allow visitors to gain a deeper understanding of how turtles have evolved over time. It will also offer a unique look at the lives of turtles, including their prehistoric origins and modern challenges.

From the tiny, elusive box turtle to sculptures of the massive leatherback sea turtle, "Turtles" will feature a variety of interactive displays, including live turtle habitats, hands-on interactives, climbable sculptures for “shell-fies” of the diamondback terrapin, galapagos tortoise, and more. The exhibit highlights live turtles and will include daily animal presentations that will give guests the opportunity to learn more about individual turtles and see these ambassadors up close.

"From turtles that have soft flexible shells to ones that look like leaf litter, this experience reveals just how bizarre, diverse, and fascinating these creatures really are,” said Paul Goulet, CEO, Little Ray’s Exhibitions. “We believe that ’Turtles’ will change everything you thought you knew about these incredible reptiles.”

The exhibit will also explore how these creatures have adapted to survive in diverse environments, from scorching deserts to the depths of the ocean. “Turtles” focuses on educating guests about the conservation challenges, habitat loss, climates change and other threats these reptiles face, highlighting the work of the Turtle Survival Alliance— a global conservation organization dedicated to saving turtles from extinction that focuses on habitat protection, captive breeding, reintroduction programs and combating illegal wildlife trade. Various turtle species found in Georgia will also be highlighted, which will include information on the efforts being taken by state agencies and committed conservation groups to ensure survival of these species in various parts of the state.

“Georgia has its own special stories when it comes to turtles,” said Director of Education Sarah Arnold. “The Georgia coast is a nesting ground for several species of sea turtles, and the barrier islands that line the coast provide ample marsh habitat for diamondback terrapins. With its sandy soils, South Georgia is also home to the gopher tortoise, an incredibly important keystone species. All of these species have faced survival challenges, and the citizens of Georgia have worked to rehabilitate their populations.”

In addition to visiting “Turtles,” guests are invited to view the new giant screen film, “Coral Sea,” opening May 17 in the Giant Screen Theater. This film highlights conservation stories and the role humans are playing in that effort in the waters around Australia and Papua New Guinea. Audiences viewing “Coral Sea” will be treated to stunning scenes of turtles, jellyfish, sharks and coral reefs, and will leave with a newfound appreciation for the resilience of these creatures and the help they receive to survive in the wild.

“Georgia is home to a variety of turtles, tortoises and terrapins, and many in our community are actively engaged in conservation efforts to protect them and the habitats they call home,” said Bobbi Hohmann, Vice President of Programming and Collections. “From freshwater to saltwater, we’re excited to be able to share these inspiring stories with our guests.”

"Turtles" is on view at Fernbank Museum from June 7 – Sept. 1, 2025. This exhibit is included with General Admission and is free with CityPASS. For more information, please visit FernbankMuseum.org. 

"Turtles” is produced by Little Ray's Exhibitions and live turtles are provided by FARE - Foundation for Animal Rescue and Education. “Turtles” is sponsored locally by Isdell Family Foundation.

“Coral Sea” is produced by Definition Studios and distributed by K2 Studios in IMAX®/Giant Screen theaters located in science centers, museums, and other cultural destinations and attractions worldwide.  “Coral Sea” is sponsored locally by Isdell Family Foundation and Georgia Natural Gas.

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Related Programming

Fernbank will host the family-friendly Discovery Day, “A Turtles Shell-ebration,” from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 7, to commemorate the grand opening of “Turtles.” Additionally, there will be daily live animal presentations featuring turtles, as well as showings of “Coral Sea" in the giant screen theater. All of this related programming is included with general admission.

Tickets

Exhibits, films and Discovery Days are included with daytime general admission and with CityPASS. General admission tickets include three floors of exhibits in the natural history museum, choice of one giant screen film, and 75-acres of nature explorations in Fernbank Forest and WildWoods. Fernbank After Dark and some other special after-hours events are available at a separate ticket price and may include access to special exhibits. Fernbank is located at 767 Clifton Road NE in Atlanta, minutes from midtown Atlanta and downtown Decatur.  

General admission tickets vary by date and program, starting at $23.95 for children, $24.95 for seniors and $25.95 for adults, and include a film in the Giant Screen Theater. Tickets purchased online are discounted. Members receive free general admission. More information is available at FernbankMuseum.org. 

Media Inquiries     

Jena Allison| Communications Manager      

Jena.Allison@FernbankMuseum.org     

404.929.6381    

*After June 16, please send inquiries to media.relations@fernbankmuseum.org

About Fernbank      

Fernbank is one of the most popular and iconic cultural destinations in Atlanta. Known as Atlanta's Science and Nature Experience, Fernbank invites guests to discover a World of Wow through an expansive natural history museum, 4-story giant screen theater, and 75-acres of nature adventures in WildWoods and Fernbank Forest. One of the oldest not-for-profit conservation organizations in the country, Fernbank was founded in 1939 to preserve Fernbank Forest, the largest urban, old growth, Piedmont forest in the United States. The museum and giant screen theater opened as "a school in the woods for nature studies" on Oct. 5, 1992, and is today known for its giant dinosaurs, hands-on STEAM* programming, immersive experiences, and year-round nature exploration. Visit fernbankmuseum.org for more information and join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube and TikTok.    

*Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics.