Stunning space displays more than 170
specimens, some the largest of their kind
NEW
HAVEN, Conn., July 9, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- The Yale Peabody Museum officially reopened its
halls of Minerals, Earth, and Space to the public today, showcasing
one of the world's foremost collections of minerals. More than 170
specimens—some of them the largest and rarest of their kind—are now
on view in the stunning and newly renovated galleries.
At the heart of these spaces is the hallmark gallery,
David Friend Hall. Made possible by
the generosity of Yale alumnus
David Friend '69, the Hall became
one of the Peabody's most popular attractions when it first opened
in 2016. David Friend Hall draws on
some of the most significant private mineral collections in
the United States. A
436-pound stibnite specimen donated by Robert Lavinsky, presented in a "frozen
fireworks display," greets visitors as they enter the Hall. Once
inside, visitors immediately view a giant 1,900-lb quartz crystal
from Namibia.
"Since we reopened in March, I've heard enormous anticipation
from visitors about our gem and mineral collection. The wait is
finally over. David Friend Hall and
the surrounding galleries exhibit some of the rarest and most
extraordinary specimens in the world. This hall inspired us rethink
the entire museum when it first opened years ago. Now, with new
exhibits and features, it looks more stunning than ever," said
David Skelly, Director of the
Yale Peabody Museum.
"I envisioned a mineral gallery for Yale designed to inspire rather than lecture. So,
we chose specimens that are jaw-droppingly beautiful, the room is
subtly lit so that the specimens themselves shine, and there is a
minimum of descriptive labelling. I want visitors to leave this
hall overwhelmed by the beauty of what they have seen and anxious
to go home and learn more, or even start collecting minerals
themselves," philanthropist David Friend said.
The 2016 opening of David Friend Hall demonstrated what a
contemporary museum experience could be, inspiring the
re-envisioning of the entire Peabody Museum, which just completed a
top-to-bottom renovation and expansion.
Following its renovation, the upgraded David Friend Hall is a showplace for the
collection and can seat 125 people for events and talks. The
gallery integrates both free-standing, large-scale minerals with
small-scale specimens in dynamic visual displays that are designed
to rotate often. Customized cases and new, state-of-the art LED
lighting, showcase the uniqueness of each specimen and its
natural—often otherworldly—beauty.
The Peabody houses one of the nation's oldest collections of
gems and minerals and the oldest meteorite collection in
North America, approaching 100,000
mineral specimens and over 3,000 meteorites. Among the many donors
and lenders who contributed to the project, the Yampol Family and
The Mineral Trust loaned over 200 specimens to the Museum,
representing a part of one of the best private collections in the
world. A highlight of their contribution is "The Rocket," the
largest elbaite specimen recovered from a legendary Brazilian
mine.
Plan Your Visit to the Peabody:
Hours of Operation:
Mondays - Closed
Tuesdays through Saturdays - 10am to
5pm
Sundays - 12pm to 5pm
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SOURCE Yale Peabody Museum