David H. Koch Hall of Fossils – Deep Time

David H. Koch Hall of Fossils – Deep Time. It is a permanent exhibition within the National Museum of Natural History on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.. Opened in June 2019, the hall represents a comprehensive, seven-year renovation of the museum's former fossil halls. It presents a sweeping narrative of Earth's history, emphasizing the interconnectedness of life, climate, and geological forces over 3.7 billion years.

Overview and significance

The hall is a landmark exhibition in the field of paleontology and public science education. It is designed to shift the focus from a static display of dinosaur skeletons to a dynamic story of continuous planetary change and evolution. A central theme is the concept of "deep time," challenging visitors to comprehend the vast scale of geological time and humanity's role within it. The exhibition explicitly connects past mass extinction events, such as the Cretaceous–Paleogene extinction event, with modern issues like climate change and biodiversity loss. This approach underscores the relevance of paleontological science to contemporary global challenges, making it a significant educational resource for visitors from Smithsonian Institution researchers to international tourists.

Design and layout

The 31,000-square-foot space was designed by the architecture firm Reich + Petch in collaboration with the museum's scientific staff. The layout is organized not chronologically but thematically, guiding visitors through a nonlinear journey across interconnected ecosystems and time periods. Dramatic architectural features include a soaring two-story space that allows for the mounting of massive specimens, such as the iconic Tyrannosaurus rex and a Diplodocus. Integrated multimedia installations, developed with expertise from organizations like NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, create immersive environments. The design strategically uses lighting, sound, and interactive digital displays to illustrate processes like continental drift and the Carboniferous rainforests, enhancing the conceptual understanding of deep time.

Key exhibits and specimens

The hall features over 700 fossil specimens, with many displayed in dynamic, pose-driven mounts that suggest behavior and ecological interaction. Among the most prominent specimens are the "Nation's T. rex," a massive Tyrannosaurus discovered in Montana and prepared by the United States Army Corps of Engineers, and a towering mammoth from the Pleistocene. Other significant exhibits include a fossilized Cynthiacetus, an early whale, and the holotype skeleton of the Torosaurus. A dedicated "Fossil Lab" allows visitors to observe National Museum of Natural History preparators conserving real fossils, such as those from the Hell Creek Formation. The collection also highlights important flora, like specimens from the Messel pit UNESCO World Heritage site, and traces the evolution of early life from the Burgess Shale.

Scientific and educational themes

The exhibition's narrative is built upon current research from the museum's Department of Paleobiology and collaborating institutions like the University of California, Berkeley. Core themes explore the drivers of evolution, including plate tectonics, atmospheric change, and asteroid impact events. It details the rise and fall of major groups, from trilobites and ammonites to megafauna. A major educational thrust is demonstrating how scientists use evidence from the fossil record, stratigraphy, and isotope geochemistry to reconstruct ancient worlds. The hall directly addresses the Anthropocene epoch, linking past extinctions to modern human-driven environmental changes, a perspective informed by bodies like the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

Development and funding

The renovation project, known as "Deep Time," was one of the most complex in the history of the Smithsonian Institution. Planning began in 2012 under the direction of museum curators including Kirk Johnson. Major funding was provided by a $35 million gift from businessman and philanthropist David H. Koch, a member of the Smithsonian National Board. Additional support came from federal appropriations via the United States Congress and private donors. The project involved a vast team of exhibit developers, scientists from the American Museum of Natural History, and engineers to safely install multi-ton fossil mounts. The hall's opening was celebrated with events featuring prominent figures like Neil deGrasse Tyson and represents a lasting public-private partnership for science education.

Category:Exhibitions in Washington, D.C. Category:National Museum of Natural History Category:2019 establishments in Washington, D.C.