All that glitters is gold at the American Museum of Natural History’s major exhibit “Gold,” a follow-up to its previous shows highlighting diamonds and pearls. The exhibit tells you all you may want to know and more with a collection of more than 700 geological specimens and so-called cultural objects.
The show is arranged so that one can get acquainted with how gold is extracted and where, pointing to some of the concentrations for mining in various parts of the world. One strolls through learning much about the importance of gold in the world and the complex methods needed to find, obtain and evaluate it.
But what I ultimately found most interesting and attractive is the display of the end result of gold—its use for stunning necklaces, bracelets and even a watch that had been owned by Elizabeth Taylor. Gold is also used for the renowned Oscar statue and for the Grammy awards.
And as something of a lark, you can get on a scale and determine what your weight would be worth in gold.
This lavish, expansive and unusual exhibition, sure to be popular, continues through August 19, 2007. At the Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th Street. Phone for information: 212-769-5100.