Hall of Biodiversity

American Museum of Natural History
Central Park West at 79th Street
The Hall of Biodiversity is a groundbreaking exhibition devoted to what many scientists believe is the most pressing environmental issue of our time: the need to protect and preserve our planet's biodiversity, the variety and interdependence of Earth... more
The Hall of Biodiversity is a groundbreaking exhibition devoted to what many scientists believe is the most pressing environmental issue of our time: the need to protect and preserve our planet's biodiversity, the variety and interdependence of Earth's life forms. The 11,000-square-foot hall, which opened in 1998, represents an important step in the Museum's efforts to expand public understanding of Earth's diverse and often endangered life forms, while painting a vivid and inspiring portrait of the breathtaking beauty and abundance of life on Earth. Dominating the hall is a spectacular diorama of the Dzanga-Sangha rain forest, which represents one of the most biodiversity-rich ecosystems on Earth. The diorama includes more than 160 species of flora and fauna and more than 500,000 leaves, each painstakingly made by hand. Representing a diorama "for the new millennium," the rain forest measures 90 feet long, 26 feet wide, and 18 feet high and invites visitors behind the glass into an immersive environment where high-resolution imagery, video, sound, and smell work together to create a habitat. The rain forest is depicted in three different states: pristine, altered by natu... more

The Hall of Biodiversity is a groundbreaking exhibition devoted to what many scientists believe is the most pressing environmental issue of our time: the need to protect and preserve our planet's biodiversity, the variety and interdependence of Earth's life forms. The 11,000-square-foot hall, which opened in 1998, represents an important step in the Museum's efforts to expand public understanding of Earth's diverse and often endangered life forms, while painting a vivid and inspiring portrait of the breathtaking beauty and abundance of life on Earth.

Dominating the hall is a spectacular diorama of the Dzanga-Sangha rain forest, which represents one of the most biodiversity-rich ecosystems on Earth. The diorama includes more than 160 species of flora and fauna and more than 500,000 leaves, each painstakingly made by hand. Representing a diorama "for the new millennium," the rain forest measures 90 feet long, 26 feet wide, and 18 feet high and invites visitors behind the glass into an immersive environment where high-resolution imagery, video, sound, and smell work together to create a habitat. The rain forest is depicted in three different states: pristine, altered by natural forces, and degraded by human intervention.

Another major element of the hall is the Spectrum of Life, the only exhibit of its kind in the world, showcasing the glorious diversity of life resulting from 3.5 billion years of evolution. Organized into 28 groups along a 100-foot-long installation are more than 1,500 specimens and models—microorganisms and mammals, bacteria and beetles, fungi and fish.


Drag the street view to look around 360°.
Use the arrow buttons to navigate down the street and around the neighborhood!

American Museum of Natural History

Central Park West at 79th Street
New York, NY 10024
(212) 769-5100

Admission From

Free

Category

Arts

Other Arts Events

Witchland: A Horrifying Yet Hilarious Play

Witchland is an immersive theatrical performance. It will leave you laughing out... view

Found Footage Festival 20th Anniversary Show

The Found Footage Festival, the live touring showcase of odd and hilarious found... view

Jenny Holzer: Light Line

This exhibition will present a reimagination of Jenny Holzer’s landmark 1989 ins... view

Carolina Caycedo: Spiral for Shared Dreams

How can art draw our attention to models of resistance to environmental threats?... view

 

Nature Speaks

Agora Gallery is pleased to announce Nature Speaks, a group exhibition of painti... view

Walton Ford: Birds and Beasts of the Studio

American artist Walton Ford (b. 1960) established his reputation in the 1990s wi... view

The Outlet

The Outlet, a Brooklyn-based Variety Show, Debuts  March 28 at Ivy House St... view

Collecting Inspiration: Edward C. Moore at Tiffany & Co.

Edward C. Moore (1827–1891)—the creative force who led Tiffany & Co. to unpa... view