: News

Filed Under:

"Hall Of Human Origins" Opens On Anniversary Of Museum's Origins

March 17, 2010
Play associated audio
comments
Starting with a cast skull, artist John Gurche builds layers of muscle, fat, and skin to create hyper-realistic busts of human ancestors featured in the new David H. Koch Hall of Human Origins at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History. Pictured: Homo neanderthalensis.
© 2010, John Gurche
Starting with a cast skull, artist John Gurche builds layers of muscle, fat, and skin to create hyper-realistic busts of human ancestors featured in the new David H. Koch Hall of Human Origins at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History. Pictured: Homo neanderthalensis.

By Stephanie Kaye

One of the Smithsonian museums turns one hundred years old today. And along with a birthday party, the Museum of Natural History will unveil a new exhibit at the exact time its doors first opened.

Although museum director Christian Samper wasn't there, he says he can imagine the scene.

"When it opened back in 1910, this was the second largest building that existed here, after the capitol. It was a grandiose building, a great place to showcase the world to the people of Washington," says Samper.

To celebrate its 100th year, the museum will be taking a look back...way back.

"We're opening a major new exhibition devoted to the topic of human origins, and asking the fundamental question of what does it mean to be human," he says.

Special events and displays, including an exhibit of photos chronicling the museum's history, will recognize the anniversary throughout the year.

Arts & Culture

NPR

NFL Sideline Reporter Michele Tafoya Plays Not My Job

As one of the first female reporters to be allowed inside the NFL locker room, Tafoya has been a pioneer in her field. But there are still places out there where they believe in cooties, so Tafoya will answer three questions about men's-only clubs.

Food

NPR

The Great Charcoal Debate: Briquettes Or Lumps?

Does the kind of charcoal you use really make a difference when it comes to grilling up a tasty steak or other food on the grill? Yes — but deciding which one to use depends on what you're after. Both briquettes and lump charcoal — aka "natural" hardwood charcoal — have their advantages and disadvantages.

Politics

NPR

Obama's Terrorism Fight Is Colored Gray, Not Black And White

If President Obama's newly recalibrated counterterrorism strategy demonstrates anything, it is his penchant for nuance.

Technology

NPR

Google Reportedly Faces FTC Antitrust Probe Over Display Ads

The Federal Trade Commission is in the early stages of opening an antitrust probe into how Google runs its online display advertising business, according to a report by Bloomberg News, citing sources who want to remain anonymous because the FTC has not announced the probe.

Leave a Comment

Help keep the conversation civil. Please refer to our Terms of Use and Code of Conduct before posting your comments.