Museum events

Natural History, Dec, 2003

EXHIBITIONS

Seasons of Life and Land: Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

Through March 7, 2004 Over 40 large-format color photographs by conservationist Subhankar Banerjee focus on the interdependent relationship of land, water, wildlife, and humanity in Alaska's Arctic Refuge.

Petra: Lost City of Stone

Through July 6, 2004 This exhibition tells the story of a thriving metropolis at the crossroads of the ancient world's major trade routes.

In New York, Petra: Lost City of Stone is made possible by Banc of America Securities and Con Edison. The American Museum of Natural History also gratefully acknowledges the generous support of Lionel I. Pincus and HRH Princess Firyal and of The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. This exhibition is organized by the American Museum of Natural History, New York, and the Cincinnati Art Museum, under the patronage of Her Majesty Queen Rania Al-Abdullah of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Air transportation generously provided by Royal Jordanian.

The Bedouin of Petra

Through July 6, 2004 Photojournalist Vivian Ronay's evocative color photographs document the Bedoul group of Bedouin tribes living near the archaeological site of Petra in Jordan.

This exhibition is marie possible by the generosity of the Arthur Ross Foundation.

The Butterfly Conservatory: Tropical Butterflies Alive in Winter

Through May 31, 2004 The butterflies are back! This popular exhibition includes more than 500 live, free-flying tropical butterflies in an enclosed tropical habitat where visitors can mingle with them.

The Butterfly Conservatory is made possible through the generous support of Bernard and Anne Spitzer.

Vietnam: Journeys of Body, Mind & Spirit

Through Match 7, 2004 Gallery 77, first floor This comprehensive exhibition presents Vietnamese Culture in the early 21st century. The visitor is invited to "walk in Vietnamese shoes" and explore daily life among Vietnam's more than 50 ethnic groups.

Organized by the American Museum of Natural History, New York, and the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, Hanoi. This exhibition and related programs are made possible by the philanthropic leadership of the Freeman Foundation. Additional generous funding provided by the Ford Foundation for the collaboration between the American Museum of Natural History and the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. Also supported by the Asian Cultural Council. Planning grant provided by the National Endowment for the Humanities.

LECTURES

The Saga of Life

Tuesday, 12/9, 7:00 p.m. With Nobel laureate Christian de Duve.

Sylvia Earle on Sustainable Seas

Thursday, 12/18, 7:00 p.m. With the National Geographic Society's Explorer-in-Residence Sylvia Earle.

Petra: Lost City of the Nabataean People

Tuesday, 1/13, 7:00 p.m. A panel discussion of cross-cultural influences among the many cultures that passed through the ancient city of Petra.

FAMILY AND CHILDREN'S PROGRAMS

Architecture and Archaeology Saturday, 12/13, or Sunday, 12/14 10:30-11:30 a.m. (Ages 4-6, each child with one adult) 1:30-3:00 p.m. (Ages 7-9)

Astounding Science for Families Sunday, 12/14, 1:00-2:00 or 3:00-4:00 p.m.

Casting and Model-Making Sunday, 1/18, 2:00-4:00 p.m.

GLOBAL WEEKENDS

Kwanzaa 2003 Saturday, 12/27, 12:00-6:00 p.m. This soulful celebration includes activities and performances for the whole family.

Living in America: The Haitian Experience

Saturdays, 1/10, 17, and 31, and Sunday, 1/18, 1:00-5:00 p.m. Celebrate the 200th anniversary of Haiti's independence with performances, films, and workshops.

Global Weekends are made possible, in part, by The Coca-Cola Company. The American Museum of Natural History wishes to thank the May and Samuel Rudin Family Foundation, Inc., the Tolan Family, and the family of Frederick H. Leonhardt for their support of these programs.

HAYDEN PLANETARIUM PROGRAMS

Lonely Planets

Monday, 12/1, 7:30 p.m. With David Grinspoon, N49, debris from a stellar explosion in the Large Magellanic Cloud

Southwest Research Institute. The Origin of Structure Monday, 12/8, 7:30 p.m. With Jeff Hester, Arizona State University.

Virtual Universe Redefine your sense of "home" on this monthly tour through charted space.

The Grand Tour Tuesday, 12/2, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Our Nearest Stellar Neighbors Tuesday, 1/6, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

This Just In ... The latest news from the universe. January's Hot Topics Tuesday, 1/20, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Celestial Highlights Find out what's up in next month's sky.

Winter Sky Tuesday, 12/30, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Greek Mythology Tuesday, 1/27, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

COURSES

Matter and Energy 14 Thursdays, 1/29-5/13, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Stars, Constellations, and Legends Five Wednesdays, 1/14-2/11, 6:30-8:00 p.m.

Choosing a Telescope Three Mondays, 1/26-2/9, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Introduction to Astronomy Six Mondays, 1/26-3/8, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Stellar Death Five Thursdays, 1/29-2/26, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Scientific Revolution Five Thursdays, 1/22-2/19, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

The Science of the Rose Center Six Tuesdays, 1/13-2/17, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Pictures to Papers Four Tuesdays, 1/20-2/10, 6:30-8:30 p.m.