All That Glitters
The Splendor and Science of Gems and Minerals May 15, 2010–April 8, 2012
Gems seduce us with their sparkle. But did you know that every glittering ruby, sapphire, diamond, and opal has a history as old as the Earth itself? A gem isn’t just a pretty bauble—it’s a rare and wonderful by-product of the tremendous forces that have shaped our planet. Discover how the same Earth processes that build landscapes produce dazzling gemstones and precious metals—even right here in San Diego County, one of the most famous gem-producing regions in the world. The exhibition features a stunning selection of spectacular natural mineral crystals, exquisite jewelry, and works of art.
See how one family enjoyed “All That Glitters” at theNAT...
They liked the exhibition so much they created a video!
SKULLS Opened October 26 SKULLS contains close to 200 skulls from theNAT’s research collections of animals from all over the world, from the tiny to the spectacular. Mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians are all on display, showcasing an eye-popping array of horns, beaks, bills, teeth, and more. Have a question about a skull? Use the SKULLS chalkboard to ask museum scientists. Or get creative and draw your own skull.
Fossil Mysteries Permanent exhibition
From dinosaurs to mastodons, discover the rich fossil history of our
region. In this major exhibition, created by the Museum, ponder a mystery,
examine the strong fossil evidence from the Museum's collection, and
use scientific tools to discover answers. Traveling through a 75-million-year
timeline, from the age of dinosaurs to the Ice Ages, experience an
unfolding of the prehistory of southern California and Baja California,
Mexico.
Developed by the San Diego Natural History Museum.
Major funding provided by the California Cultural and Historic Endowment;
National Science Foundation; Stephen and Mary Birch Foundation; an
anonymous donor; and generous support from the J. W. Sefton Foundation;
the San Diego Foundation: Weingart-Price Fund and Carol and Henry F.
Hunte Fund; San Diego County Supervisors Pam Slater-Price, Ron Roberts
and Greg Cox; The Legler Benbough Foundation; THE PARKER FOUNDATION:
Gerald and Inez Grant Parker; Thomas C. Ackerman Foundation; Charmaine
and Maurice Kaplan; Carol and Dennis Wilson; Rice Family Foundation;
Samuel and Katherine French Fund; Ellen Browning Scripps Foundation;
and Sony Electronics Inc.
Water: A California Story July 19, 2008–Indefinite
Through photos, maps, video, and hands-on activities, learn about current, local issues on land and in the ocean. Examine the infrastructure of the regional water system, and discover how we import the majority of our water and the costs associated with this practice. Water: A California Story also looks at effects of a changing climate on our region’s water supply and reveals how southern Californians can help protect water for future generations. Natural history specimens and live animals will serve as reminders that the natural environment and its inhabitants are also legitimate users of water resources.
Working on Thin Ice: 25 Years of Research in Antarctica May 14, 2011–September, 2012
La Jolla-based scientists from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) travel to Antarctica each year to study its vital ecosystem. See striking photographs taken by NOAA researchers of breathtaking landscapes, up-close interactions with Antarctic predators, and scientists at work in this land of extremes. Real Antarctic zooplankton specimens and research gear are also on display.
Exquisite Miniatures of Wes and Rachelle Siegrist January 21–March 21, 2012
Of the 50 watercolors in Exquisite Miniatures, all but four were created in an area that is 9 square inches or smaller. Wes and Rachelle Siegrist are an American husband-and wife-team who create miniature paintings so expertly crafted that they are often mistaken for tiny photographs. The exhibition consists of landscapes, portraits, still lifes, wildlife, and more.
Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition February 10–September 9 , 2012
Visitors to the highly anticipated Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition will receive a replica boarding pass granting them permission to “board” the White Star Line’s R.M.S. Titanic, and from there the journey begins. The galleries focus on the legendary Titanic’s compelling human stories as best told through authentic artifacts recovered from the ocean floor and extensive room re-creations. Perfume from a maker who was traveling to New York to sell his samples, china etched with the logo of the elite White Star Line, even pieces of the Ship itself, these and many other authentic objects offer haunting, emotional connections to lives abruptly ended or forever altered.
Best of Nature January 9–May 13, 2012
The Best of Nature Photography Show, an international juried competition, will be on view in The Ordover Gallery at the San Diego Natural History Museum. Visitors to the Museum will view magnificent nature-based imagery by amateur and professional photographers. The 70 selected photographs will include sublime landscapes, whimsical and dramatic wildlife images, and unusual close-ups of nature’s beauty.
The Horse June 1, 2012–January 20, 2013
The horse-human relationship started as a prey-predator dynamic. With domestication, humans harnessed horsepower—hence the term—to travel greater distances, expand crop acreage, and be more effective in battle. Horses were bred for specific sizes and qualities that produced everything from tiny ponies to pull ore carts in mines to tall, powerful draft breeds to till the soil and drag lumber from forest to mill. The horse-human bond extended to the equestrian sports with athletic pairs competing together just as they worked together. The bond has been chronicled in literature and portrayed on film. The beauty, strength, and spirit of horses continues to awe each new generation of horse lovers.
