Interpretive Museums

A major component of the North Side project, the iconic Rose Center for Earth and Space represents one of the most significant additions to the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH)’s historic campus. The project involved the demolition of the landmarked Hayden Planetarium and the construction of a new modern glass structure. The dynamic building plays a vital role in furthering the Museum’s scientific and educational mission, and houses the spectacular Hayden Planetarium and Big Bang Theater, Cosmic Pathway, and Hall of the Universe. The accompanying exhibitions explore the 13-billion-year history of the universe and the dynamic features of the galaxies, stars and planets that make up the ecosystem.

In addition to the Rose Center, the North Side project included the Arthur Ross Terrace built over a new parking garage, the Weston Pavilion and the renovation of the Theodore Roosevelt Park.

The permanent halls at the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) are iconic spaces that represent the core of the Museum’s exhibit program.  In coordination with AMNH’s curatorial staff and senior leadership, Zubatkin assisted in developing a consistent process for the development of the permanent hall projects that allows for enhancement and utilization of the Museum’s infrastructure, as well as flexibility in content delivery for the long term.

Specific projects have included:

• Milstein Hall of Ocean Life: Home to one of the Museum’s most celebrated displays, the Hall of Ocean Life highlights the complexity of the undersea world and the marine environment. The renovation of this dynamic hall involved new large-scale media and upgrades to the exhibits, iconic blue whale, ceiling lighting, fire protection systems and other infrastructure.
• Anne and Bernard Spitzer Hall of Human Origins: This dynamic exhibit pairs fossils with DNA research to present the remarkable history of human evolution, covering millions of years of human history. The project introduced all new exhibits, technology, and a new teaching classroom.
• Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Hall: Charting Theodore Roosevelt’s journey from a budding naturalist to an elected leader with a deep commitment to conservation, the renovated hall includes a new bronze sculpture of Theodore Roosevelt and four key exhibition areas. The project also includes new audio-visual elements, as well as restoring the overall exterior and interior spaces.
• Theodore Roosevelt Rotunda: A New York City interior landmark, the Theodore Roosevelt Rotunda welcomes many visitors to the Museum and features an impressive dinosaur exhibit. The project involved the restoration of the historic murals, as well as improvements to the visitor circulation and lighting.
• Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Hall of the Universe: Located on the lower level of the Rose Center for Earth and Space, this hall presents the discoveries of modern astrophysics.  Zubatkin’s involvement focused on the completion of the construction, exhibit installation and close-out of the project.