Gold tells the fascinating story of the world's most desired metal,
exploring its natural beauty, unique scientific properties, and its influence
in shaping global history. Based on the phenomenally successful exhibition from
the Houston Museum of Natural Science, Gold includes a vast array of
extraordinary objects including natural specimens of crystallized gold, enormous
nuggets, gold bullion, coins from shipwrecks, solid bars, exquisite jewelry,
and contemporary objects such as Olympic medals and Oscar statues.
Through a combination of magnificent specimens and intelligent, inventive exhibitry
and interactive media, this exhibitions examines the cultural, historical, and
scientific underpinnings that have made Gold an enduring subject of fascination
since the beginning of recorded time.
Highlights:
- Examples of the first gold coins minted
- Jewelry ranging from pre-Columbian artifacts to modern day name brands like
Tiffany's
- Rare doubloons retrieved from Spanish galleons
- 300-square-foot room completely covered in gold
- A scale that shows the value of your own weight in gold
Sections:
Aurum Naturae
Visitors are introduced to mineralogy and geology through spectacular rare natural
specimens including glittering crystallized gold and enormous gold nuggets.
Incomparable Gold
Objects, panels, and interactives explain gold's properties, technological applications,
the history of mining, gold rushes, and how the lure of gold has been felt since
the beginning of human civilization.
Golden Ages
Jewelry and decorative items from through the centuries and around the world
explore how the world's most powerful cultures have used gold in culture, art,
and fashion.
Lost and Found
Here, visitors discover a treasure trove of gold bars, jewelry, and coins recovered
from American and Spanish shipwrecks.
Gold Standard
Ancient gold coins and gold bars from around the world demonstrate how individual
countries base their currencies on gold.
Gold Achievement
Gold is the ultimate award in film, theater, music, and sports - here, visitors
can see golden awards including Oscars statues, Grammy awards, and a Kentucky
Derby trophy.
Gold is organized by the American Museum of Natural History, in cooperation
with The Houston Museum of Natural Science.