What Is Suspended From the Ceiling of the Natural History Museum?

If you’ve ever been to the Natural History Museum, you may have noticed the large objects suspended from the ceiling. These are not just for decoration; they serve an important purpose in educating visitors about the natural world.

The Blue Whale

One of the most iconic exhibits at the museum is the blue whale that hangs in the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life. At 94 feet long, it is one of the largest models of a blue whale in existence. The skeleton was created by casting molds of real bones and then assembling them into a complete skeleton.

Fun fact: Did you know that a blue whale’s heart can weigh as much as a car?

The Sperm Whale

Another impressive exhibit is the sperm whale that hangs in the Hall of Biodiversity. This model was created using similar techniques to those used for the blue whale, but on a smaller scale. The sperm whale is known for its large head, which houses a complex array of organs used for echolocation.

Did you know: Sperm whales have been known to dive as deep as 7,000 feet in search of food?

The Pterosaurs

In addition to whales, there are also several models of pterosaurs hanging from the ceiling in various halls of the museum. Pterosaurs were flying reptiles that lived during the time of dinosaurs. They had wings made out of skin and were some of the largest creatures to ever take to the air.

  • Pterodaustro: This pterosaur had a unique filtering system in its beak that allowed it to strain small organisms out of water.
  • Pteranodon: Perhaps one of the most recognizable pterosaurs, this creature had a wingspan up to 33 feet.
  • Quetzalcoatlus: The largest pterosaur known to date, with a wingspan of up to 40 feet. It was named after the Aztec feathered serpent god.

The Titanosaur

Finally, one of the newest exhibits at the museum is the Titanosaur, a massive dinosaur that lived about 100 million years ago. This exhibit is unique because it is one of the only models in the museum that is not suspended from the ceiling; instead, it stands on its own legs.

Conclusion

The Natural History Museum’s suspended exhibits serve as a reminder of the incredible diversity of life on our planet, both past and present. Whether you’re marveling at a giant blue whale or imagining what it would be like to see a pterosaur fly overhead, these exhibits are sure to inspire wonder and awe.