The Jurica-Suchy Nature Museum is a small natural history museum located on the second floor of the Michael and Kay Birck Hall of Science at Benedictine University. The museum represents the work of Fr. Hilary Jurica, O.S.B. and his brother, Fr. Edmund Jurica, O.S.B. who collected specimens for their students to use during their almost 100 combined years of teaching at Benedictine University, and Fr. Ted Suchy, O.S.B., who has significantly enhanced and expanded the museum during his 30 year tenure as curator.
The museum has a collection numbering almost 10,000 specimens ranging from a tiny aphid to a roqual skeleton. Favorites include a pair of menacing African lions, a Black Bear, a whale skeleton and an extensive bird collection.
The museum is also home to the Pancotto animal collection, which features more than 50 sheep, bear, lions, leopards and deer, some represented in their natural habitat.
A “Coal” exhibit celebrates one of Illinois’ most abundant natural resources – how and when it was formed, how it is mined, how it is transported and the types of coal. The exhibit features coal specimens and pre-coal fossils collected over the years by the Jurica brothers.
The Jurica-Suchy Nature Museum is open to the public as well as to school groups. Group tours are scheduled during most mornings. The museum hosts more than 5,000 visitors each year. There is no admission fee.
Jurica-Suchy Museum (630) 829-6546
Benedictine University
5700 College Road
Lisle, Illinois 60532
http://www.ben.edu/museum
