“Becoming Jane: The Evolution of Dr. Jane Goodall,” organized by the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County and the Jane Goodall Institute, will begin in November. (photo by Michael Nichols/National Geographic)

Dr. Jane Goodall, founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and UN Messenger of Peace, has created an indelible legacy in the fields of science and conservation, and her legacy will be celebrated in the West Coast premiere of “Becoming Jane: The Evolution of Dr. Jane Goodall,” a new exhibition on view at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County beginning Nov. 7.

Produced in partnership with the National Geographic Society and the Jane Goodall Institute, the exhibition explores Goodall’s life — from her early years as an intrepid young woman with a dream to learn about animals in Africa, to her current role as an activist, mentor and advocate for creating a better world.

This exhibition debuted at the National Geographic Museum in Washington, D.C., in November 2019 and has since traveled to the Field Museum in Chicago.

“We are honored to present this marvelous exhibition and share Jane Goodall’s journey with audiences from all over the world,” said Dr. Lori Bettison-Varga, president and director of the Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County. “As we emerge from the past year and continue on a path towards healing, Dr. Goodall’s life and work provide an unparalleled example of how curiosity can lead to environmental stewardship with tremendous impact.”

Widely known for her innovative approach to animal behavior research, Goodall traveled to what is now Tanzania’s Gombe Stream National Park and immersed herself by 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.

The exhibition will offer a multiscreen experience introducing visitors to Goodall’s extraordinary work, alongside surprising encounters with digitally rendered chimpanzees; a replica of Goodall’s research tent, offering a hands-on experience where visitors can envision themselves as scientists jotting down observations in their field journal;  and a hologram-like projection of Goodall sharing her memories in Gombe and recalling her thoughts, feelings, impressions and lessons learned while living among chimpanzees.

Additionally, guests can experience interactive immersive activities, including one in which visitors can test their skills at matching the pant-hoot vocalization of a chimpanzee; hear updates on the current state of Gombe Stream National Park and the chimpanzee range in Africa, along with the work of the innovative scientists and conservationists who are following in Goodall’s footsteps.

Tickets will go on sale in early fall. For information, visit nhm.org/becoming-jane.