American Museum of Natural History, Northwest Coast Hall

Photos by Fabio Tuchiya

2022
wHY
New York, NY

9,650 GSF

Museums & Galleries,
Exhibitions

Opened in 1899, the Northwest Coast Hall is the oldest gallery within the Museum of Natural History. As part of numerous renovations and expansions in celebration of the Museum’s 150th anniversary, this hall was selected for a renovation to further connect visitors to the living cultures of the First Nations.

Continuing with a long tradition of collaborating with the Northwest Coast peoples, the museum’s goal was to create a modern exhibition which showcases the unique history and current way of life for these individuals. RDG worked with the team to design the architectural and exhibit lighting within the hall, bringing each object to life. General lighting within the space slowly shifts in color temperature over time to represent the various natural environments of the Northwest Coast.

This idea of connection to the natural environment was critical in making each design choice. Integrated exhibit lighting allows for objects to be lit from a multitude of angles, not just from the ceiling, to express lighting conditions from bright daylight to a warm campfire glow.