DoublExposure
June 16 – September 13, 2009
Third Floor Alcove

Global warming is affecting our planet in countless ways, not in some remote future, but today. DoublExposure documents one aspect of the warming climate through fine-art photography that brings the viewer into panoramas of glaciers once grand but now receding. Photos of glaciers taken many years ago are displayed next to recent photos of the same glaciers, demonstrating the visual impact of the melting ice.

Learn more about the exhibit by visiting the official Web site: http://www.doublexposure.net

Photo: Bradford Washburn/David Arnold

The Horse
Last Day: July 5, 2009
R.P. Simmons Gallery, Third Floor

For tens of thousands of years, humans have had an amazing and enduring relationship with the horse. We have preyed upon them, worshipped them, domesticated them, and shaped them into “animated machinery.” In turn, the horse has helped shape human cultures, revolutionizing the way we worked, waged war, traveled, engaged in sports, and soothed our souls.

From paleontology to anthropology, worship to warfare, evolutionary biology to equestrianism, and genetics to biomechanics, the American Museum of Natural History’s new exhibition Horse is a complex and fascinating story that will truly show audiences the spectacular depths of our relationship with this majestic animal, enthralling and delighting visitors of all ages. Carnegie Museum of Natural History Anthropologist Dr. Sandra Olsen was a lead curator of the exhibit.

The Horse is organized by the American Museum of Natural History, New York (www.amnh.org) in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Authority for Cultural & Heritage; Canadian Museum of Civilization, Gatineau-Ottawa; The Field Museum, Chicago; and San Diego Natural History Museum.

Sponsored locally by Richard King Mellon Foundation and by

Allegheny Highlands Botanical Art Society Exhibition
June 12 – August 2, 2009
Powdermill Nature Reserve, Rector, PA

On view are 20 botanical works, beautifully combining art and science, from 8 Allegheny Highlands Botanical Art Society members. A chapter of the American Society of Botanical Artists, the Allegheny Highlands Society seeks to educate the public on plant diversity, native plant ecology, and conservation through the exhibition of botanical art. Click here for directions to Powdermill Nature Reserve.

Image: Sycamore with seed pod, Mark A. Klingler

Insects, Ink & Inklings: Illustrations by Jane Hyland
Extended into Fall 2009
Third Floor Exhibits Foyer

Jane Hyland, scientific preparator and illustrator for Carnegie Museum of Natural History’s Section of Invertebrate Zoology, will be exhibiting her most recent artwork examining the complex and fascinating anatomy of moths.

In addition to these works, moth specimens from the collection will be on display in five wall-mounted insect cases which will juxtapose Hyland’s scientific illustrations with the research moth specimens, which were collected from many parts of the world.

Time Machines: Watches from the H.J. Heinz Collection
Extended into Fall 2009
Wertz Gallery, Hillman Hall of Minerals and Gems

Pittsburgh ketchup and sauce magnate H.J. Heinz (1844-1919) amassed an extensive collection of timepieces during his lifetime. These chronometers offer an array of incredible artistry and amazing mechanical ingenuity.

Through this collection, it is possible to study the evolution of watches as machines, tracing the steps in development from portable sundial to more modern sophisticated mechanical watches. Examples include a gold mechanical “repeating watch” with figures that strike the hour; a watch owned by Lord Nelson, the hero of the Battle of Trafalgar; and a music box watch with a feathered singing bird.

The Heinz Collection is regarded as one of the most important timepiece collections in the United States. H.J. Heinz donated the collection to Carnegie Museum of Natural History in 1917.

Whales | Tohorā
October 31, 2009 – May 2, 2010
R.P. Simmons Gallery, Third Floor

For centuries, whales have captured the imagination. People have marveled at them, hunted them, and passionately protected them. Now you have an opportunity to explore the world of these amazing sea creatures, through a unique blend of science and storytelling.

Whales | Tohorā is a traveling exhibit created by Te Papa, New Zealand's National Museum. "Tohorā" is the Māori word for "whale;" the Māori are the indigenous people of New Zealand.

Whales | Tohorā presents stories from conservationists, scientists, whalers, and even whale riders. There is an animated film of the legendary Pacific islander Tinirau and his pet whale – a story of treachery and revenge. There are tales of extraordinary encounters with whales, and of whale strandings.

The exhibition presents a rich assortment of objects from Te Papa's whale collection – one of the largest in the world. Skeletons over 54 feet (18 meters) long are displayed, along with fossils, models, and specimens from many whale species. Beautiful taonga (cultural treasures) made from highly prized whale bone and whale teeth give evidence of the revered status of these animals.

Click here to visit the official Web site.