After nearly three years of work, the expansion on the west side of the Natural History Museum is almost complete and the space, dubbed NHM Commons, is scheduled to debut to the public on November 17.
Perhaps most notable will be the section’s first official resident: Gnatalie, the first-ever fully reconstructed green-colored dinosaur, which was found in Utah back in 2007. Named after the gnats that swarmed her discovery site, the five-ton, 75-foot-long long-necked dinosaur gets its distinctive color due to the presence of the green mineral celadonite during the fossilization process.
In addition, the new area of the museum will welcome the 80-foot-long L.A. History: A Mexican Perspective, the then-controversial 1981 mural by artist Barbara Carrasco that paints an unvarnished portrait of L.A.’s history, including references to the the 1943 Zoot Suit Riots and the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II.
Both of these installations sit before the ticketing checkpoint and are technically free to visit for those entering through this new atrium on the southwest side of the museum.
The $75 million expansion project brings approximately 75,000 square feet of renovated space and new construction to the museum. Expect a transparent glass facade that will allow the public to look into the atrium, plus a new Commons Theater that fits up to 400 people at once, an outpost from South L.A. Café, a multimedia display showing off contributions by community scientists, community spaces and more.
We had a chance to tour the venue back in February, while it was still under construction. Though Gnatalie wasn’t in place yet, we did get to walk through that new entry hall, as well as the beautifully restored, ornate space at the old southern entrance. We also had a chance to step inside of the then-nearly-completed theater; the space felt polished yet flexible, with floor and balcony seating that can be adjusted and a stage that can be altered. In addition to the T-rex show that’ll be playing there, the museum says it’ll be able to lend out the theater to local community groups, as well as use it for its own events.
Expect a number of celebratory opening events to take over L.A.’s cultural calendar in the upcoming weeks as well, including a free block party on opening day, November 17, complete with special performances, food and drink activations.
While you’re there, don’t forget to wave hello to the newest Angeleno, Gnatalie.