Bones on the Move
Visitors will have a rare opportunity to witness first-hand large mounts of gigantic Ice Age mammals being dismantled. Several of the Museum’s skeletal mounts, skulls and fossils in Kirtland Hall of Prehistoric Life are being removed as part of the Museum’s transformation project for its 100-year anniversary in 2020. The specimens are being moved to protect them from vibration caused by construction of our nearby parking structure. Exhibits and collections staff are carefully overseeing the de-installation to ensure the safety of these rare objects—many dating from the Ice Age.
While off display, many of these specimens will be cleaned and conserved for re-installation in the amazing new galleries that are the cornerstone of the exciting transformation project.
Kirtland Hall will continue to be open to the public during this process. Visitors can watch the work in progress as staff dismantles these massive mounts and skulls. Here’s what visitors can expect in the coming weeks:
November 30-December 4
Dismantling of the mammoth, mastodon, Irish elk, rhinoceros and oreodont skeletal mounts for secure storage, conservation and re-mounting when the Museum opens its new Mammals Gallery as part of its Centennial Transformation.
Week of December 7
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De-installation of the large African elephant head and elephant models and tusk
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De-installation of several small and especially delicate fossils
Early 2016
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Installation of replacement exhibits. Details TBD!
For more information and updates on our Centennial Transformation, visit
cmnh.org/cmnh100.