The 150th year anniversary of American Museum of Natural History in 2019 will be marked by the opening of the new Allison and Roberto Mignone Halls of Gems and Minerals. Previously known as Morgan Memorial Hall of Gems and Harry Frank Guggenheim Hall of Minerals, they were built in 1970’s and formed a cul-de-sac bearing testimony to the architectural aesthetics of the edge. The 11,000 square feet structure will be closing on October 26, 2017. The very old and dark halls designed have been promised a grand transformation by Ralph Appelbaum Associates.The new halls will be named after the Allison Mignone who is the current Vice Chair of the Museum's Campaign and the long time Museum trustee Roberto Mignone. An amethyst geode from Uruguay, which is 12-foot high that was unveiled recently will be a part of the exhibits in the refurbished museum. The New York Times noted that the other major attraction will be the Star of India blue sapphire. Old favourites like the 632-carat Patricia Emerald and the so-called "subway garnet" will also adore the new halls. The new halls will be connected to the Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education and Innovation by a one-of-its-kind crystalline pass.Click on the slideshow for a sneak peek into the proposed halls.
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