The Allison and Roberto Mignone Halls of Gems and Minerals

In 2021, the American Museum of Natural History’s world-renowned Allison and Roberto Mignone Halls of Gems and Minerals were reopened with a completely new presentation. Within the renovated halls, state-of-the-art lighting draws out mineral colors, crystal habits and sculptural forms, optimized to highlight color variation and refraction in gems and jewelry. The extraordinary role minerals play in science and culture is highlighted with up-to-date knowledge. An open layout invites curiosity-driven exploration. The halls’ elegant design carefully integrates interpretive graphics and media programs for generations of diverse Museum visitors.

The three main divisions of the layout are the Gem Hall, the Mineral Hall, and the Melissa and Keith Meister Gallery for temporary exhibitions. Foremost in the renovation concept was showcasing the Museum’s vast and diverse mineralogy collection. Over 5,000 mineral specimens – more than half of which have not previously been displayed – are now on view in state-of-the-art custom casework. Rich graphics engage visitors in deepening their understanding of the scientific, cultural, geographic, historic, and human connections to individual specimens and mineral groups. Carefully integrated media produced by the Museum’s Exhibition department makes visible the mostly unseen processes that form minerals over time and scales.

The new Mignone Halls of Gems and Minerals at AMNH has been transformed and elevated to a “must-see” for New Yorkers and will be a signature destination for national and international visitors.