Spider Pavilion returns to Natural History Museum

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You know Halloween is around the corner when those spooky spiders return to the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. The whole point of the newly opened Spider Pavilion is to demonstrate that spiders are not scary at all, and to show they play an important part in our ecosystem. Nearly 100 of the creatures have been installed in this walk-through environment so you can see how -- that is, if you can get through without having a panic attack.

The pavilion is open through Nov. 8 in Exposition Park. Reservations are required, and tickets are sold for entry every half-hour throughout the day at a rate of $3 for adults, $2 for students and seniors, and $1 for children. Visitors are encouraged to bring cameras inside this “comfortable, safe and immersive environment.”

Pictured here: Brent Karner, associate manager of entomological exhibits for the Natural History Museum, looks up at an orb weaver spider (Nephila maculata) hanging from its web inside the 2007 pavilion.

-- Lisa Boone