Where-To-Go-Wednesday - The Newly Reopened Northwest Coast Hall at the American Museum of Natural History

We were invited to the reopening of the Northwest Coast Hall at the American Museum of Natural History for review purposes. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own. 

What: Northwest Coast Hall 

Where: American Museum of Natural History 

              200 Central Park W. 

              New York, NY

Who: All ages

When: Reopening to the Public Friday, May 13, 2022

In this age of reckoning with the way certain groups of people have been marginalized throughout our history and with the push toward treating people of all backgrounds more equitably and respecting their values and their histories more, museums need to take a hard look at the way the are staging their exhibits. They need to make sure that they are truthfully and respectfully representing all groups in the way these groups would want to be represented. In its newly reopened Northwest Coast Hall, the American Museum of Natural History has done just that beautifully.

To ensure accuracy, the hall was reimagined with the full cooperation of the indigenous people whom it represents  Accordingly. there are no static dioramas of so-called "Indians" here but a real opportunity to learn about these peoples and their way of life. That starts with no longer lumping all indigenous groups into one category but dividing the exhibit into sections by groups of people. At least one member of each group represented participated in the project to ensure that there that their section of the exhibit presents a fair and accurate representation of them and their heritage in the way that they would want to be presented. Visitors to the hall have a unique opportunity to learn truly learn about these different people and their way of life through the numerous objects on view as well as multimedia displays, and more. The iconic 63-foot canoe, that was a highlight of the hall in its previous incarnation remains as well, but it has been enhanced with authentic native design elements. The exhibit in its current state is one that can be appreciated and enjoyed equally by those it represents and those who come to view it.

And that's our view. For more about the Northwest Coast Hall of the American Museum of Natural History visit www.amnh.org/exhibitions/permanent/northwest-coast. For more about the American Museum of Natural History in general, to reserve tickets, or purchase a membership. visit www.amnh.org

Tune in tomorrow for Theater Thursday.