Discover the man and the revolutionary theory that changed the course of science and society
Darwin offers visitors an engaging and enlightening exploration of the extraordinary life and mind of Charles Darwin (1809 – 1882), whose curiosity, observation and discoveries nearly 150 years ago forever changed the perception of the origin and nature of our own species, as well as the myriad other species on this planet and launched modern biological science.
Visitors will experience the wonders Darwin witnessed on his journey as a curious and adventurous young man aboard the HMS Beagle on its historic five-year voyage (1831 – 1836) to South America, the Galapagos Islands, and beyond.
Exhibition Highlights
- The World Before Darwin – View an antique display case filled with exceptional mounts of mammal, reptile and bird skeletons from AMNH’s collection illustrates the early 19th century mindset about nature that Darwin encounters.
- Young Naturalist – Encounter a recreation of a famous rock outcrop in Scotland called “Hutton’s Unconformity” that Darwin and many other geologists of his time recognized as evidence of Earth’s long and ancient history.
- “The Life and Work of Charles Darwin” – Watch a multimedia biography of Darwin that retraces his life via footage shot on location in England and elsewhere, depicts his student years, his voyage on the Beagle, his time as a scholar and his life at Down House where he conducted decades of research and wrote The Origin of Species.
- A Trip Around the World – Retrace the five-year journey of the Beagle, and follow the clues Darwin saw on its voyage that ultimately led him to understand how living species are connected.
- A Life’s Work – Tour an elaborate reconstruction of Darwin’s study at Down House where a large-scale video presentation transports visitors on a contemplative “virtual walk” with Darwin along the sandwalk path he created on the grounds surrounding his home.
- Evolution, Today – Explore contemporary examples of modern evolutionary research through interactive exhibits that help visitors understand concepts such as homology, adaptation to the environment, and natural selection. A special section on “Social Reactions to Darwin” addresses various controversies surrounding his theories and clarifies the distinction between scientific theories and nonscientific and theological explanations about the origin and diversity of life.
Darwin is free to all Members and visitors this summer through August 1.
Click here to download the Darwin Educator guide. Please note that the current version of the exhibition does not include any live animals.
Click here to download the Darwin Programming Guide.