Man in Space (Exhibition)

Exist Dates

1961 April 18 - 1963, approximately

Biographical or Historical Note

abstract

Exhibition. Opened October 12, 1961 and was on view through 1963. Located in Section 12, Floor 2 in the Roosevelt Memorial Building at the American Museum of Natural History. "Man in Space" was an exhibition emphasizing the physical conditions of space travel and the effects of these conditions on man's body and mind.

Summary

"Man in Space" was an exhibition emphasizing the physical conditions of space travel and the effects of these conditions on man's body and mind. The centerpiece of the exhibit was a facsimile of the manned space station, ARIES. The model included five-life-sized manikin astronauts utilizing the vehicles equpment and facilities for eating, sleeping, recreation and work. A full-scale model of the Project Mercury Spacecraft, a gift of the McDonnell Aircraft Corporation who designed and developed the actual Mercury Spacecraft, was on display as a preview to the larger exhibition and opened April 18, 1961. "Man in Space" opened in full October 12, 1961 on the second floor of the Roosevelt Memorial Building of the American Museum of Natural History, running for approximately two years. The expanded exhibit purported to predict the art of space science in the late 1960's. The exhibition was jointly financed by the Museum, The Martin Company, The McDonnell Aircraft Corporation and Newsweek Magazine.

Individuals and institutions involved in the creation of the exhibition: McDonnell Aircraft Corporation; The Martin Company; Newsweek Magazine; AMNH Department of Astronomy; Hayden Planetarium

Sources

American Museum of Natural History Press Releases, April 18, 1961 and October 12, 1961. Departmental Records, 101; American Museum of Natural History Library Archives.

Annual Report July 1, 1961 - June 30, 1962. pages 160-161. Departmental Records, 98; American Museum of Natural History Library Archives.

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Related Corporate, Personal, and Family Names

New York State Roosevelt Memorial.
Location of exhibition.

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