A Bona-fide Dream Come True
How did the largest privately held collection of bones come to be in Oklahoma?
Jay Halloween (2019) by Skulls Unlimited InternationalMuseum of Osteology
Meet the museum's founder Jay Villemarette
Jay's love for science began at a young age, and he wanted to share his passion for osteology with the world. It's Jay's hope that visitors to his museum will develop an appreciation of nature and inspire conservation efforts to protect wildlife.
Jay's First Skulls (1972) by Jay VillemaretteMuseum of Osteology
The first skull to be discovered
While in the woods in Pennsylvania, Jay came across a skull wrapped in a blanket. Thinking it was human, he rushed home. His father, knowing it wasn't human, encouraged Jay to do some research at the library. After extensive reading, Jay determined he had found a dog skull.
The second skull in his collection
Shortly after finding the dog skull, Jay came across another skull. It belonged to a cat. The differences and similarities fascinated Jay. He quickly began trying to find and study other skulls. These two skulls are on display at the museum, serving as a reminder of his progress.
Museum beginnings (2021) by Skulls Unlimited InternationalMuseum of Osteology
From hobby to science fair success
The night before the science fair, Jay still hadn't prepared a project. His dad suggested that he gather up all of the skulls he had been collecting and submit those for the science fair. Jay won a trophy, and his project went all the way to the Oklahoma State Science Fair.
Skulls Unlimited (1989) by Jay VillemaretteMuseum of Osteology
A hobby turned into a business
Jay and his wife, Kim, began the museum's parent company, Skulls Unlimited International, in 1986. They began cleaning and selling skulls to support their growing family. Their success came after years of providing bones to veterinary, zoological, and educational institutions.
Museum of Osteology (2024) by Skulls Unlimited InternationalMuseum of Osteology
A dream becomes a reality
After collecting for many years, Jay was finally able to find a way to display his collection. In 2003, construction began on the museum. For seven and a half years, the Skulls Unlimited team worked to clean and articulate over 350 real skeletons.
Opening Day (2010-10-01) by Skulls Unlimited InternationalMuseum of Osteology
America's first skeleton museum
On October 1, 2010, Jay and his family opened to the public! It was an instant hit. Jay and his family knew they had created something special. From grandparents visiting with their grandchildren to medical and veterinary students, everyone loved visiting the Osteology.
Orlando Location (2015) by Skulls Unlimited InternationalMuseum of Osteology
Expanding the museum's reach to an international audience
After the success of the OKC museum, Jay opened a second museum in Orlando, Florida. The Skulls Unlimited team worked day and night for one and a half years to put together 500 real skeletons that this museum opened with, including a real killer whale and polar bear skeletons.
Villemarette Family at the Orlando Florida Museum of Osteology (2015) by Skulls Unlimited InternationalMuseum of Osteology
America's largest skeleton museum
The Orlando location saw thousands of guests from all over the world. No other place had a collection quite like this. After years of being in Orlando, Jay set his sights on reaching more people through the creation of a traveling skeleton exhibition.
Forensic Night (2023) by Skulls Unlimited InternationalMuseum of Osteology
Fifteen years of educating and entertaining
For fifteen years, the Museum of Osteology has educated thousands of students and adults on the importance of the study of bones. Each day, the collection grows and the museum's reach expands.
Hall of Biodiversity (2025) by Skulls Unlimited InternationalMuseum of Osteology
Inspiring future generations
The Museum of Osteology's new Hall of Biodiversity aims to instill a deep appreciation for the natural world in its visitors. The museum continues to find new ways to inspire guests of all ages.
Museum of Osteology
Interested in Natural history?
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