NEW YORK: A Museum to History

NEW YORK: A Museum to History



From History


                Situated near the grounds of Central Park, the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) contains more than dusty historical artifacts. I visited the AMNH on February 12th. I, like many visitors to the museum, wanted to see history, frozen in time, amid a city that constantly changes. With over 32 million specimens, 46 permanent exhibition halls, and new exhibitions, the AMNH is truly a gargantuan tome of historical artifacts and renown. From photographs of ancient Incan roads to the collection of various minerals, AMNH not only has numerous amounts of artifacts, but a diverse range of them.  Because of the incredible amount of artifacts and exhibits in the AMNH, I have chosen to write about three of the most popular exhibitions.

All that Glitters

The Harry Frank Guggenheim Hall of Gems and Minerals was the first exhibit to catch my eye, and not only because of its glittering exhibits. The museum is renowned for its rare collection of unusual minerals, ranging from dazzling gemstones to bizarre rock formations. Some of the gems, explained a guide, were so renowned throughout the world that many attempted theft to gain the gems. 

The Star of India, the largest star sapphire in the world, was a favorite among the visitors for its beauty. 12 of 20 people I have interviewed stated that the Star of India was their favorite gem. The Midnight Star Ruby, the Patricia Emerald, and the de Long Ruby were also favorites among visitors. “I love the star shape of the Star of India and the Midnight Star ruby,” said a visitor. “The smooth surface and the unusual pattern make it priceless,” said another dazzled onlooker.

The rare gemstones were not the only displays that caught the attention of onlookers. Sulfur crystals, microcline formations, a quartz-amethyst geode, and many other rock formations procured looks from onlookers. “The microcline rock formation looks more like rubber or plastic,” commented an onlooker. “I like the rock-within-rock look,” said a visitor who was observing a geode. The various mineral formations, with beautiful and bizarre looks, were well received by the visitors. 

Nothing but Bones

              When I interviewed 30 visitors on their favorite exhibitions, 20 of them stated that they have enjoyed the exhibitions that displayed skeletons and fossils the most. Exhibition halls, such as sections of the Primate Hall and all of the Fossil Halls, displayed a diverse amount of skeletons. From dinosaurs to avians, the size and age of skeletons of animals were diverse and numerous.

         I found that the larger the skeleton was, the more popular it was among visitors. Out of 10 people who visited the exhibits with the skeletons and fossils, 8 of them preferred the larger fossils, such as large mammals or dinosaurs. “I love the mammoth,” exclaimed a visitor, “because I’ve never seen such a large land animal like that in my life.” It’s awe-inspiring,” added another visitor, “because the dinosaurs’ size makes me feel insignificant in contrast.” Similarly, the other interviewees stated that the sheer size of the creatures made the fossils their favorites.

        Despite the favorability of larger animals, the skeletons of tiny animals also impressed crowds. The visitors admired the delicate yet fine bones of small animals. “It’s amazing how they got around and lived with such small bones and bodies,” commented a visitor. “I think they’re cuter than the larger skeletons,” piped a girl who was with her parents. 

Recreate Nature 

           Not only does the AMNH display real gems and fossils, but it also displays the creations of its naturalists, taxidermists, photographers, and artists. The dioramas, although not as popular as the rocks and the skeletons, drew a large crowd of awed visitors. The fact that the museum produced such fine creations within the museum itself, as with its display of master craftsmanship and the diversity of its subjects, was what drew the crowd. 

         “The ranges of the dioramas are amazing,” said a visitor. “From humans to trees, I was able to see a variety of figures I would never be able to see in real life.” “The models are really accurate and well made.” “I wonder how the museum was able to make such figures.” These were some of many comments and praises given to the models. Many of the interviewees thought that the real life scale of the blue whale was the best, followed by the gorilla in the jungle and primitive humans in Africa. 


To History
     
         The AMNH truly frames the bulk of natural history for the denizens of New York, as well as those who come from distant cities and countries. Its collections are so vast only a small fraction of it can be shown at a time, therefore enabling future visits to pertain new artifacts and fossils. It is no wonder that it was voted 7^th in the “Most visited museums in the World” by the magazine Travel + Leisure. Many will leave with natural wonders in their memories, not knowing that they have scratched only the surface of AMNH’s treasures.