This invention provides populations of neural progenitor cells and differentiated neurons, obtained by culturing pluripotent cells in special growth cocktails. The technology can be used to produce progenitors that proliferate through at least .about.40 doublings, while maintaining the ability to differentiate into a variety of different neural phenotypes, including dopaminergic neurons. The neural progenitors and terminally differentiated neurons of this invention can be generated in large quantities for use in drug screening and the treatment of neurological disorders.