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American Museum of Natural History Rose Center for Earth and Space

New York, New York

Client: American Museum of Natural History
Architect: Polshek Partnership
Exhibit Design: Ralph Appelbaum Associates
Completion: 2000

New York City’s newest “Great Room”, the $210 million Rose Center for Earth and Space replaces and updates the 70 year old Hayden Planetarium in the American Museum of Natural History. The central sphere houses both the new Space Theater and Big Bang Theater which is suspended above the Hall of the Universe below.

Our work began with the Environmental Impact Statement for the project and proceeded to the lighting design of the sphere, surrounding exhibit areas, the exterior terrace and support spaces. A combination of theatrical fixtures and sequencing controlled floodlights provides the drama for this striking new landmark.

The New York Times calls this look, “mood indigo.”

2001 IALD Award of Excellence
2001 IESNY Lumen Award of Merit
2001 Edwin F. Guth Memorial Award of Excellence for Interior Lighting