American Museum of Natural History unveils its “thrilling” expansion design

The <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/american-museum-of-natural-history" target="_blank">American Museum of Natural History</a> has finally unveiled designs for its $325 million, six-story expansion. Designed by MacArthur Fellow and architect <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/jeanne-gang" target="_blank">Jeanne Gang</a>, the new Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education and Innovation will bolster the museum’s mission to make scientific research and education more accessible to the public. In a conscious departure from the institution’s brick castle appearance, Gang’s striking contemporary design features an undulating interior that evokes canyons and caves formed by the natural force of erosion.

The view of the exterior façade of the Gilder Center from 79th Street and Columbus Avenue, including street trees, park plantings, and buildings on the west side of 79th Street, as it would appear at opening.

Visitor view from the entrance of the Gilder Center into the Central Exhibition Hall. The Central Exhibition Hall includes new spaces devoted to teaching science to students of all ages and levels, scientific research, and exhibitions, including new insect halls, as well as access to the Museum’s library and world-class collections.

The view of the exterior façade of the Gilder Center from 79th Street and Columbus Avenue, including street trees and park plantings, as it would appear at opening.

View of exterior in winter.

Model of the American Museum of Natural History’s complex on the Upper West Side as it is today.

Model of the American Museum of Natural History’s complex incorporating the Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation.

The conceptual design of the Gilder Center maintains the current elevations of the Museum complex on its western side, placing the Columbus Avenue façade at the same height as the buildings on either side of the new entrance.

View of both sides of Columbus Avenue from 81st Street to 77th Street.

The design will also solve visitor circulation issues, which has been likened to a labyrinth, by connecting many of the museum’s existing galleries.