Museum events: American Museum of Natural History

Natural History, June, 2004

EXHIBITIONS

Vital Variety: A Visual Celebration of Invertebrate Biodiversity

Through Spring 2005

Invertebrates, which constitute more than 80 percent of Earth's known species and play a critical role in the survival of humankind, are the subject of these extraordinarily beautiful close-up photographs.

Exploratorium/AMNH

Through August 15

Fun, hands-on displays clustered around four natural science themes--Earth processes, rotation, mirrors and illusion, and pendulums--encourage audiences of all ages and all levels to investigate and play.

Exploratorium/AMNH is funded in part by a grant from the Small Business Administration. For information on accessibility, call 212-769-5100.

Petra: Lost City of Stone

Through July 6

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

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 made possible by the generosity of the Arthur Ross Foundation,

Seasons of Life and Land: Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

Through September 6

Stunning large-format color photographs by conservationist Subhankar Banerjee focus on the interdependence of land, water, wildlife, and humanity in Alaska's Arctic Refuge.

Art for Heart

Through September 26

Paintings by children who lost loved ones in the attacks on New York City's World Trade Center on February 26, 1993, and September 11, 2001, create a powerful and poignant memorial.

Project sponsored by the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation. Exhibition made possible through the generous support or White & Case LLP and Toys 'R' Us.

SUMMER SOLSTICE

The Science of the Sun

Sunday, 6/20 11:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Sun-related activities for children of all ages.

Quillas

Sunday, 6/20, 2:00-3:00 or 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Ecuadorian troupe Quillas performs pieces from the traditional Quechua Festival of the Sun.

An Introduction to the Middle of the World

Sunday, 6/20, 3:15-4:15 p.m.

Gabriel Roldos Prosser of the Solar Culture Museum in Ecuador reveals surprising links between ancient and colonial sites at the "middle of the world."

LECTURES

Why We Do It

Tuesday, 6/1, 7:00 p.m.

Niles Eldredge, Curator in the Museum's Division of Paleontology, challenges the almighty status of genes in evolution and human behavior. A book signing follows.

Frog Songs

Thursday, 6/10, 7:00 p.m.

Martha Tobias, Columbia University, discusses frog vocal behaviors and the evolution of song.

Digital People

Tuesday, 6/15, 7:00 p.m.

Sidney Perkowitz, Emory University, explores the role of artificial beings in science fiction and fantasy. A book signing follows.

An Alchemy of Mind

Thursday, 6/17, 7:00 p.m.

Diane Ackerman examines what it is about our brain that makes us quintessentially human. A book signing follows.

The Bounty: The True Story of the Mutiny on the Bounty

Thursday, 6/24, 7:00 p.m.

Caroline Alexander shatters the centuries-old myths surrounding the story of William Bligh and Fletcher Christian. A book signing follows.

Extreme Frogs

Tuesday, 6/29, 7:00 p.m.

Join Michael Klemens, Metropolitan Conservation Alliance, to learn about frog evolution and current conservation efforts.

FAMILY AND CHILDREN'S PROGRAMS

Talking with Your Hands, Listening with Your Eyes

Saturday, 6/12, 1:00 p.m.

Children and adults will be introduced to American Sign Language.

Dr. Nebula's Laboratory: Light and Optics

Sunday, 6/13, 1:00-2:00 or 3:00-4:00 p.m. (Ages 4 and up, each child with one adult)

Dr. Nebula's apprentice Scooter "illuminates" the mysteries of light and optics.

Earthly Adventures

Saturday, 6/12, 12:30-2:00 p.m. (Ages 4-5, each child with one adult) or 3:00-4:30 p.m. (Ages 6-7)

Explore earthquakes, tornadoes, and other forces of nature.

Frog Wire Sculptures

Sunday, 6/13 10:30-11:30 a.m. (Ages5-7) or 12:30-l:30 p.m. (Ages 8-10)

Create take-home crafts that capture the essence of frogs.

Tadpole to Frog Workshop

Sunday, 6/20, 10:30 a.m.-12:00 noon (Ages 8-10) Sunday, 6/27, 10:30 a.m.-12:00 noon (Ages 5-7, each child with one adult)

Children learn about the metamorphosis of frogs.

HAYDEN PLANETARIUM PROGRAMS

TUESDAYS IN THE DOME

Virtual Universe: The Grand Tour

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

This Just In ... June's Hot Topics

Tuesday, 6/15, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Celestial Highlights: The Summer Sky

Tuesday, 6/29, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

PLANETARIUM SHOWS

Sonic Vision

Fridays and Saturdays, 7:30, 8:30, and 9:30 p.m.

Hypnotic visuals and rhythms take viewers on an unforgettable ride through fantastical dreamspace.