The Anne and Bernard Spitzer Hall of Human Origins combines discoveries in the fossil record with the latest genomic science to explore the most profound mysteries of humankind: who we are, where we came from, and what is in store for the future of our species. The hall explores human biology and anatomy, traces the path of human evolution, and examines the origins of human creativity.

Perkins Eastman, working alongside the museum’s exhibition team, designed the installation of the Anne and Bernard Spitzer Hall of Human Origins. Gutting the existing exhibit and setting dioramas and artifacts aside, the team developed an updated framework and exhibitory scheme to showcase what we know about how we evolved as a species. Original architectural features such as decorative column capitals complement modern features including a large entry icon lit with LED projections that supports three skeletons stands visible from the grand gallery. At the center of the space, a large glass rotunda houses refurbished dioramas behind a large laminated curving glass wall and is comprised of caseworks and mountings that look and feel consistent while highlighting each artifact uniquely.

Radhi Majmudar of DMP  performed a structural engineering peer review of the interior structural glass work for Zubatkin , the project’s construction executive for this permanent 9,000 square foot permanent exhibit space that explores the history of human evolution. Channel glass walls and platforms deemphasize the separation between exhibit and visitor while protecting valuable artifacts.