The Richard Gilder Center, part of the American Museum of Natural History in New York, is a new space dedicated to science, learning, and innovation. This project includes world-class research facilities, scientific collections, and new teaching and exhibit spaces. Its goal is to inspire people of all ages to explore science while advancing research, education, and exhibitions.
A Long-Time Plan Becomes Reality
The idea for the Gilder Center began in 2014. It covers 230,000 square feet (about 21,368 square meters) and costs $465 million to build. The structure has six floors, with four open to the public and one underground. The building is nestled into the park and matches the height of the museum’s older sections. Its design features smooth curves, and the parking area around it has been improved with pathways and seating, thanks to community input.
Inspired by Nature, Built for the Future
The design focuses on improving how visitors experience the museum. A new entrance at Columbus Avenue and 79th Street creates easy access to the park. Inside, the Gilder Center connects ten museum buildings with 33 pathways, creating better flow.
The construction process used advanced tools like cranes to handle and install materials precisely and safely. Visitors can now explore new exhibits, research areas, and collection storage spaces. For the first time, people can see behind the scenes, learning how the museum stores and preserves artifacts, manages records, and supports scientific research.
A Building Shaped by Nature
The Gilder Center’s wavy exterior walls create visual harmony with the campus. These walls use bird-safe glass and Milford pink granite, the same type of stone used at Central Park’s West End. The design reflects layers of rock, similar to geological formations.
Inside, the building mimics natural processes like erosion by wind, water, and ice. The atrium, or central space, allows sunlight to flow through and links different parts of the museum. The building’s structural walls and arches support its weight, while a technique called shotcrete was used to spray concrete into precise shapes, saving materials and creating seamless designs.
Openings and bridges within the building visually connect visitors to exhibition halls. These features encourage exploration and bring natural light and airflow deep into the building, reducing energy use. Stone walls, shaded windows, and native plants further support sustainable cooling and wildlife.
Interactive Spaces and Exhibits
Visitors can explore unique spaces like the insect pavilion and butterfly farm, where live insects and ecosystems are on display. A five-story “collections core” holds over three million specimens, with three floors showcasing collections ranging from astronomy to geography.
The immersive “Invisible World” exhibit demonstrates how all life on Earth is connected. Additional spaces include research libraries, classrooms, and labs that cater to students, teachers, and professional scientists.
Looking Ahead
The Gilder Center is a major milestone for the Museum of Natural History. Its innovative design and advanced facilities improve visitor experiences while supporting scientific research and education. By combining natural-inspired architecture with sustainable features, it fits beautifully into its surroundings and reflects care for the environment.
The Gilder Center invites people of all ages to discover the wonders of science. Whether through immersive exhibits or hands-on learning, it sparks curiosity and fosters a spirit of exploration. With its cutting-edge research and education spaces, the Gilder Center supports scientists and educators in advancing knowledge and inspiring the next generation.
As it grows, the Gilder Center will remain a vital hub for science and culture in New York and around the world. It will not only enrich the museum but also nurture curiosity, innovation, and scientific understanding for years to come.
