A long-awaited museum has opened.

The $185 million, 14-story Perot Museum of Nature and Science opened Saturday at 1318 S. 2nd Ave.

The 180,000-sf modernist structure was planned for nearly a decade but opened ahead of its original schedule. Exhibits include an earthquake simulator, virtual competitive racing and an array of dinosaur fossils. The building also includes a green roof, rainwater collection system and solar water heating.

Morphosis Architects designed the museum, which was funded completely through private donations.