American Museum of Natural History
MEMORIES:
Across the street from Central Park on the Upper West Side resides the proud American Museum of Natural History. Founded in 1869 by Theodore Roosevelt, Sr. (father of the 26th U.S. President) as well as a number of other wealthy benefactors, the museum is host to a rich history of learning, fun, amazement and even intrigue. At the turn of the century, the wealthy financier, JP Morgan donated the Star of India, a golf ball-sized star sapphire, to the museum. In the fall of 1964, the Star, along with other stones, including the Eagle Diamond and the de Long Ruby were stolen by the one-time surfing champion turned burglar and smuggler, Jack Murphy. And that's just a start to the mysteries children and adults have been able to uncover for over a hundred years at this historic New York City landmark.
Whether you were into dinosaurs, aquatic life, astronomy, anthropology, butterflies or evolution, there was something for you at the museum. As soon as you entered, greeted by the giant monument to Teddy Roosevelt, you entered the vast Roman basilica. Just down the path, a skeletal Barosaurus defends her young from an Allosaurus. The momumentality of this scene is just an introduction to the larger-than-life view of natural history the museum gave you.
Kids of yesterday and today could explore all kinds of science and history within the many halls. They could discover the universe at the Hayden Planetarium. The brave could get a closer look at dinosaurs and learn about paleontology in the Fossil Halls. Fans of the great big blue could check out life under the sea in the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life; its piece de resistance is a full-sized model of a blue whale suspended from above-- a delight and a terror for little ones who luck upwards.. Those curious about how life was thousands of years ago could witness it through the museum's dioramas and models in the Halls of Asian Peoples and of Pacific Peoples, Man in Africa, the Native American collections and those of Mexico and Central America.
The museum has played a starring role in a few recent movies, including The Squid and the Whale (named for the life-sized versions dangling in the aquatic exhibit) and A Night at the Museum, in which all of its exhibits come to life. It's no wonder that it serves as inspiration and location for these films; choices and opportunities are limitless in this museum, and offers a truly great experience for any child lucky enough to visit.
