|
The American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) is the biggest museum in New York City. With educational exhibits for all ages the museum is a great tourist attraction.
The Museum was first opened in 1869 for the development of the study of natural science, but over the years more and more was added to it. The museum has more than fifty exhibits in many different halls. Each exhibit is in the format of a presentation using visuals and words to support the visuals such as dioramas with explanatory plaques. The Hall of Asian Mammals, Traditional Asia, African People, African Mammals, Mexico and Central America, New York State Environment, American People (South America), Civilization, Human Biology, Human Evolution, Primates, Birds, Mammals, African Mammals, and the Hall of Saurischian Dinosaurs are just a few examples of the many halls located at the Museum of Natural History.
Many of the Halls are based on one specific continent and it's culture. The Hall of Traditional Asia is based on the gods of China and other traditions in Asia. The Asian Mammal Hall is filled with exhibits on exotic animals. The hall of African People includes exhibits on African music, dance, beliefs and society. The hall of African Mammals includes stuffed elephants, zebras, lions, bongo, rhinoceros, and many other animals. The Hall of Primates includes stuffed monkeys, apes, baboons, and sloths.
Now, you're probably thinking, "Enough about the Halls, what about the art!" Well this museum has a mixed variety of art. The Mexico and Central America Hall has many amazing pieces of art. There is a statue of a Colossal Olmec Head, an Aztec stone of the sun, a pretty impressive replica of one of the villages, and the list goes on. Even though the statues in the windows of the exhibits may not be considered art, there are many nice pieces to consider there also. Animals are displayed all around the museum, including a huge dinosaur fossil replica at the entrance. There are birds, mammals, fish, and almost every other animal you can think of with the exception of a few.
The Hall of Human Biology and Human Evolution has very descriptive exhibits. The first part focuses on human biology. It features the parts, the senses and the different types of systems in the body. The second has exhibits on the first human relatives, early advanced humans, and Neanderthals, just to name a few.
Even though dinosaurs are extint, they are alive in the Hall of Saurishchian Dinosaurs. The hall is filled with statues, replicas, bones and pictures. There are also exhibits on moments of discovery and finding the fossils. Most of the replicas are of the fossils and not of the physical features, but it was still exciting.
When you walk into New York State Environment Exhibit, the first thing you see is a life size replica of the Haida Indians in a large canoe. Then, on your right side you see the newest exhibit at the museum called Frogs-a chorus of colors.
Now after reading all of this you are probably thinking this place must be really expensive, but in actuality it really isn't. All you need to get in is a donation of any amount.
With great educational exhibits, art, souvenirs, and food, The Museum of Natural History is definitely New York's Great Source OF HISTORY. If you are not interested in history you can go next door to the planetarium where they have movies and short films for viewing about the planets. There are also interactive exhibits all around the planetarium, too. So with the Museum you get a two for one
|
