History of Anthropological Exhibits | Natural History Museum of Los Angeles
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History of Our Exhibits
The Museum has a rich history of permanent halls that focused primarily on our collections even prior to the establishment of an anthropology department.
To see the images and other archival photographs in more detail click HERE
History and Anthropology Exhibits in the Rotunda Building, 1920-1930
This photograph is one of the earliest pictures we have of a History Hall showing anthropology artifacts. Listed in the photo archives as the History Hall, north wing, from the southwestern stair. Taken sometime between August 1922 and January 1923. There are archeological and ethnological pieces displayed together as well as historical material and some framed artwork.
Plains Hall Exhibit, Circa 1930-1940
A view of a late Plains Hall Exhibit, this hall made use of dioramas. Many of the dioramas, such as the Plains Indian buffalo hunter and horse with travois, made use of artifacts from our collections to make them more authentic. Photographic images and maps were also used to help interpret the artifacts.
Hall of Western Indians, 1950-1970
Arthur Woodward who had a long career at the Museum as a Curator of History and Anthropology and conducted extensive archeological fiedwork in California, Arizona, and Utah developed the hall which opened in 1951. The Hall of Western Indians was one of the first halls that had a specific theme which combined Archaeology and Anthropology. Much of the archaeological portion of the hall was based on Woodward's fieldwork conducted during 1929-1941.
Ancient Latin American Hall, 1966-2008
Charles E. Rozaire began working for the Museum as a Curator in 1965. His primary responsibility upon being hired was to create and install a hall depicting Latin American Prehistory. Our Ancient Latin American Hall opened in October of 1966. After several updates and revisions over the years the hall closed in 2008.
Times Mirror Hall of Native American Cultures, 1992-2006
The Times Mirror Hall of Native American Cultures opened in 1992. It featured about 700 of our best ethnographic and archaeological artifacts. Margaret Hardin, Curator of Anthropology, was extensively involved in the development of this exhibit hall. Innovative at the time it had multimedia presentations, Native American consultation, a respectfuil treatment of Native American Cultures and a changing gallery to feature current Native American artists. It even had a life size model of the curator depicting a Craftsman era collectior unpacking artifacts in her home.