The American Museum of Natural History

The Anne and Bernard Spitzer Hall of Human Origins at the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) in New York City opened in 2007, replacing the former Hall of Human Biology and Evolution. Although occupying less floor space than the Smithsonian’s human origins hall (9000 vs. 15,000 sq. ft.), the AMNH hall is packed with casts, demonstrating concretely the fossil evidence for human evolution. A unique aspect of this hall is its joint focus on the molecular and fossil evidence, introduced in the front of the exhibit on the two sides of the hall. Compared to the NMNH, the AMNH has a more taxonomic focus. Three dioramas, reduced to “tableau,” remain from the former hall, as does the Au. afarensis duo who greet visitors as they enter the central portion of the exhibit. The final sector contains human biology content retained from previous iterations of the hall; here, humans are compared to other primates and some other mammals, emphasizing unique human characteristics. In addition, a dedicated laboratory space is included for instruction of student groups and, at other times, for all visitors. Outside this laboratory, a video addresses the relationship between the science of evolution and religious faith.