The American Museum of Natural History has had a continually evolving look for the past 139 years — and with plans to open a new science center there, the institution's appearance is about to change again.
Founded in 1869, the first building opened on a plot of land between West 77th and West 81st streets and Columbus Avenue and Central Park West in 1877, according to the museum.
The museum's founders created a master plan that dictated how it should grow on that plot, described "a great square with four major facades, each one of which had corner towers and a central focal point," said preservation historian Bill Higgins at a meeting at the museum Tuesday.
While the square was supposed to include courtyards providing light and air, over the decades they have been filled in with buildings to accommodate the museum's growth, he said.
"The architectural history of the museum has been an interesting interplay between following that master plan and evolving in a more natural way dictated by the institution’s needs," Higgins explained.
Now, the American Museum of Natural History is in the midst of making its case to the city's Landmarks Preservation Commission as to why its controversial proposed new 235,000-square-foot Gilder Center is consistent with its architectural past and represents a worthy addition.
The Gilder Center combines a curved facade with square windows, in keeping with the master plan's theme of combining squares and curvilinear forms, Higgins said.
With the help of the New York Public Library, DNAinfo New York found images that showcase the changes the museum has undergone over the years and its architectural trajectory.
We also included fun throwbacks, like a menu from the museum restaurant and drawings of the opening ceremonies.
This 1902 postcard shows the museum's surrounding parkland — a major point of contention in its current expansion plan.
An 1875 image shows people gathering for "Reception Day" at the museum along Central Park.
Train tracks used to run alongside the museum.
You can see the train tracks in the lower left-hand corner.
This postcard shows the museum sometime between 1901 and 1907.
Another postcard shows the museum in 1906.
A museum menu from 1905 shows a range of options, from roast lamb to fried oysters.
Diners could pick from dishes including fish, meat, soups and salads. If they so desired, they could order pickles or "table celery." Specials for the day included corned beef hash and minced ham and egg.
Dessert options at the museum's restaurant in 1905 included fruit, cheese or sweeter options like chocolate eclairs.
Restaurant-goers could order "Philadelphia Cream" as a cheese course or a dessert known as a "Charlotte Russe," which resembles a trifle, among other choices.
An early photo shows how small the museum used to be, compared to the dozens of buildings it occupies now.
The well-known photographer Percy Loomis Sperr took two shots of the museum from Central Park in 1929.
The proposed new Gilder Center has the curves and squares found throughout the rest of the museum, executives say.
