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The Gilder Center review: How to draw in more natural history fans

An enticingly designed addition to the American Museum of Natural History in New York aims to connect all forms of life, from leafcutter ants to humans. Its engaging exhibits look sure to win more fans for the natural world

By Alexis Wnuk

17 May 2023

The architecture of the five-story Kenneth C. Griffin Exploration Atrium in the new Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation is inspired by natural Earth processes of wind and water and the ways in which they shape landscapes that are exciting to explore. The Griffin Atrium serves as a gateway into the Museum from Columbus Avenue, featuring skylights for natural illumination and alluring sightlines that invite visitors to explore various levels and galleries, including the new Susan and Peter J. Solomon Family Insectarium and Louis V. Gerstner, Jr. Collections Core. Located on the second floor, the landing at the top of the staircase opens up to the full scope of the Kenneth C. Griffin Atrium, with views of the Gilder Center???s new engaging exhibits. 2. Kenneth C. Griffin Exploration Atrium Alvaro Keding/? AMNH Description: The architecture of the five-story Kenneth C. Griffin Exploration Atrium in the new Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation is inspired by natural Earth processes of wind and water and the ways in which they shape landscapes that are exciting to explore. The Griffin Atrium serves as a gateway into the Museum from Columbus Avenue, featuring skylights for natural illumination and alluring sightlines that invite visitors to explore various levels and galleries, including the new Susan and Peter J. Solomon Family Insectarium and Louis V. Gerstner, Jr. Collections Core. Located on the second floor, the landing at the top of the staircase opens up to the full scope of the Kenneth C. Griffin Atrium, with views of the Gilder Center?s new engaging exhibits. Usage rights: PLEASE NOTE: These images are supplied solely for one-time use by print, broadcast, and online media for publicity purposes related to The Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation press preview. No other use of these images is permitted without the express written permission of the Museum and/or the owners of the images. Unique identifier: AN1525680

The atrium of the Gilder Center resembles a canyon that has been weathered over centuries

American Museum of Natural History

The Gilder Center

New York

Studio Gang Architects

Open now

FROM the outside, the Gilder Center beckons. Its curved windows resemble the entrance to a cave, and suddenly I need to know what is inside. That is probably why Jeanne Gang, whose firm designed the centre, calls it an “innie” building – it invites you in.

Inside, I feel an itch to move and explore. The cavernous atrium feels like a canyon that has been weathered over …

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