For children and grownups alike, the absolutely fascinating new exhibit “Frogs: A Chorus of Colors” at the American Museum of Natural History through October 5, 2004, is well worth a leap there. If you think you know frogs, wait until you see the more than 200 live ones collected from throughout the world and encased in approximations of their environment. The show should be a big hit.
There are more than 200 of them, representing frog species from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, China, Colombia, Kenya, Madagascar, Mexico, Myanmar, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Russia, Suriname, Uruguay, Venezuela, Vietnam, and of course, the United States. There are some so tiny and colorful that you might want to try to cuddle them. Luckily, they are behind glass, as they are so poisonous that their venom is lethal enough to kill 10 people, or 10,000 mice.
There are frogs that blend into the landscape so well that you have to stare closely to spot them. Some hang from trees. Some can glide. The collection is simply amazing, and the museum has provided various interactive ways of gleaning more information. Sounds made by frogs are replicated, and there are videos to accompany the live exhibition. At the American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th Street. Phone: 212-769-5100.