The American Museum of Natural History is famous for its collection of creatures, but now it’s home to over a million live animals. Thanks to the new Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education and Innovation, the museum has seen an influx of visitors, with almost 1.5 million people exploring the four floors that are open to the public. This includes a variety of crawling and flying creatures, ranging from insects to small mammals. From Hercules beetles to poison dart frogs, the Gilder Center offers a unique experience in Manhattan.
Designed by architect Jeanne Gang and her firm, Studio Gang, the Gilder Center goes beyond just showcasing wildlife. It features a behind-the-scenes display of collections, a library with its own gallery, and an immersive digital experience. Here are six highlights to explore.
1. The Solomon Family Insectarium: This installation allows visitors to get up close and personal with insects. From leafcutter ants shredding leaves to a colony of honeypot ants, the Insectarium showcases the diverse world of insects. With interactive elements, touch screens, and a digital game, visitors can engage with the exhibition and learn about the importance of insects in our ecosystem.
2. The Louis V. Gerstner Jr. Collections Core: This floor-to-ceiling glass-enclosed space gives visitors a glimpse into the museum’s extensive collection of specimens and artifacts. From scanning electron microscope images of spiders to dinosaur footprints, the Collections Core allows visitors to see the scientific investigation that goes on behind the scenes at the museum.
3. The Davis Family Butterfly Vivarium: This year-round space features a wide range of butterfly species. Visitors can observe these beautiful creatures fluttering freely in the jungle-like atmosphere. The vivarium also includes a glass-fronted pupae incubator and informational signs about the different species.
4. ‘Invisible Worlds’: This interactive experience takes visitors on a journey through the invisible world of biology and technology. With a 360-degree immersive environment, visitors can explore the nervous system of a dragonfly, the interior of a leaf, and the complexity of DNA chains. By interacting with the exhibit, visitors can discover the interconnectedness of all living things.
5. The Gottesman Research Library and Learning Center: This newly designed library offers a serene space for reading and studying. With comfortable seating and views of Theodore Roosevelt Park, visitors can peruse the extensive collection of books, photographs, and archival materials. Temporary exhibitions showcase the work of notable taxonomists and artists, including prints from Andy Warhol’s “Endangered Species” series.
6. Yurman Family Crystalline Pass: This exhibit recreates a stunning vein of rock crystal quartz found in the Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas. With explanatory text, visitors can learn about the formation of crystalline quartz and its uses in technology and jewelry. The exhibit aims to showcase the wonders of Mother Nature’s creations.
In conclusion, the Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education and Innovation at the American Museum of Natural History offers a unique and immersive experience for visitors. From observing live insects to exploring behind-the-scenes collections, there is something for everyone to discover and learn.
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