Spring Break
Darwin on Display At the Museum of Natural History
Jacques Laroche
Issue date: 12/14/05 Section: Features
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"Darwin," a comprehensive exhibit dedicated to the visionary now showing at the American Museum of Natural History, explores how Charles proved his father wrong, developed his ideas on evolution and became a household name more than 200 years after his death.
The exhibit, occupying an entire wing of the museum's third floor, showcases a number of Darwin's personal effects including tools, notebooks, letters and even a sketch of an evolutionary tree labeled "I think" (identifying the exact moment Darwin compounded all of his research and thoughts into a singular theory). In addition to these items, there are numerous fossils, skeletons, live animals and maps on display. Several videos in the show provide background information, ranging from a summary of Darwin's achievements to commentary on intelligent design-the latest chapter in the controversy regarding evolution.
Intelligent design, a contending evolutionary theory, asserts that the natural explanations of Darwinian evolution are insufficient, and that the processes therein had a catalyst of intelligent, supernatural origins. "Intelligent design just piggybacks on [Darwinian] evolution. It takes advantage of Darwin's hard work and of subsequent scientific achievements, then simply says, 'OK, you're right, but it was God who did all that.' We came here to learn about Darwin, not intelligent design," Eleanor Strauss, a visitor who came with her two children, said.
Although no other challenges to evolution are mentioned, Museum President Ellen V. Futter affirmed that the installations commenting on intelligent design were part of the original exhibit, not additions due to recent controversy. Whether or not portions of the exhibit were meant to address contemporary pseudoscientific offshoots, the show as a whole has an educating quality that is certain to dispel any myths or misunderstandings surrounding the pivotal theory.
"At a time when American education in science and mathematics is failing dreadfully in ways that undermine this country's economy and security and yield public confusion about major scientific issues, including the origins and diversity of life on Earth, the museum is honored to join with its collaborators in presenting this show about Darwin," Futter said.
As Futter intelligently stated, "Darwin" is about how Charles came up with his theory, not about current controversies, and the creators of the exhibit do a great job revealing the evolution of this theory to their audience.
Walking from the entrance to exit of the exhibit is like walking through Darwin's life in chronological order. Along the way, you will be handed vital pieces of information showing you how his ideas coalesced. From his meticulous records of flower blossoms when he was just 10 years old to his study of geology, the exhibit reveals the subtle details of how Darwin first honed his observational skills while young, and later learned that the Earth is not a static landscape for geological formations or the animals living within it.
One of the biggest pluses about the show is its hands on quality. Two of the most visible items, a large glyptodont model (extinct giant armadillo) and a megatherium skull (extinct giant ground sloth), are completely open to tactile examination, along with a few other installations. Conversely, one of the worst aspects of the show is its dim lighting. Practically every installation is accompanied by scores of text, and the poor lighting conditions throughout make reading a tedious task.
All said and done, this exhibit is definitely a must see. The video installations, audio simulations of the HMS Beagle's deck, scores of artifacts and an astounding recreation of Darwin's work area in his London home ensure that both young and old audiences will be inspired. And who knows, one visitor may be inspired enough to become a household name 200 years into the future.
Exhibit Information
Address: 79th Street and Central Park West
Phone: (212) 313-7278
Admission: $29 - Student Discount Available
Hours: Open daily, 10:00 a.m.-5:45 p.m
Directions: Take the B (weekdays only) or C to 81 St.
Two blocks west of the Museum, the 1 and 9 trains stop at Broadway and West 79th Street.
Open until May 29, 2006