, /PRNewswire/ -- officially reopened its halls of Minerals, Earth, and Space to the public today, showcasing one of the world's foremost collections of minerals. More than 170 specimens—some of them the largest and rarest of their kind—are now on view in the stunning and newly renovated galleries. At the heart of these spaces is the hallmark gallery, .
Made possible by the generosity of alumnus '69, the Hall became one of the Peabody's most popular attractions when it first opened in 2016. draws on some of the most significant private mineral collections in . A 436-pound stibnite specimen donated by , presented in a "frozen fireworks display," greets visitors as they enter the Hall.
Once inside, visitors immediately view a giant 1,900-lb quartz crystal from . "Since we reopened in March, I've heard enormous anticipation from visitors about our gem and mineral collection. The wait is finally over.
and the surrounding galleries exhibit some of the rarest and most extraordinary specimens in the world. This hall inspired us rethink the entire museum when it first opened years ago. Now, with new exhibits and features, it looks more stunning than ever," said .
"I envisioned a mineral gallery for designed to inspire rather than lecture. So, we chose specimens that are jaw-droppingly beautiful, the room is subtly lit so that the specimens themselves shine, and there is a minimum of descriptive labelling. I want visitors to leave this hall overwhelmed by the beauty of what they h.