The American Museum of Natural History

Sometimes when I'm in particular need of a quiet moment, I usually steal away to some of the lesser-visited galleries of the American Museum of Natural History.  It reminds me in part of why I love museums--the artistry of exhibition design.  On one hand I'm annoyed that some displays are outdated, dusty, and neglected.  But on the other hand, I love stepping into a hallway with vintage sideboard and feeling like I've time traveled to a 1960's version of a museum.  (Side note, the video on the importance of gold inside the Hall of Minerals is one of my all time favorites.)  During the summer the magic of a solitary meander through the galleries is muffled by crowds of tourists, but I can only hope that come September things will return to their traditional quietness.

If you'd like to look at some extraordinary vintage photos of the AMNH check out this site.

Here are some of my photographic highlights of some of the wonderful things I've found: