American Museum of Natural History announces design for major new building

Yay science! The board of trustees of the American Museum of Natural History has approved the design for its new $325 million addition, the Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation. The six-story building will house exhibition spaces, classrooms, and theaters, all focusing on STEM (for those not in the know, that's science, technology, engineering, and math).

The design, developed by Jeanne Gang of Studio Gang Architects, boasts a soaring, cavelike aesthetic and aims to improve visitor circulation in the museum by linking 10 buildings through 30 connections. “We uncovered a way to vastly improve visitor circulation and Museum functionality, while tapping into the desire for exploration and discovery that are emblematic of science and also part of being human,” says Gang.

The museum will be taking down three of its existing buildings to make room for the new space, a decision made largely in response to concerns voiced by the Defenders of Teddy Roosevelt Park Inc., a newly formed organization which strongly opposes the museum's invasion of public parkland. 

The Gilder Center is scheduled to open at the beginning of 2020. Until then, have a look at the renderings below and get excited for many an afternoon of scientific exploration and discovery. 

Credit: American Museum of Natural History

Credit: American Museum of Natural History