Updated: June 28, 2002

Evaluation to Open High Bridge Under Way

DEP's dollhouse, created for the New York City water supply system exhibition at the Dana Center in Central Park, is now on display at the American Museum of Natural History.

The dollhouse exhibit, featuring two brownstone buildings containing three furnished floors each, a streetscape and playground, is housed in the Alexander M. White Natural Science Center on the second floor, near the People Center and African Peoples Hall. The dollhouse shows the interior plumbing of one brownstone, highlighting the flow of cold drinking water and heated water to the bathroom. A beautifully crafted miniature water tower is located on the top of one building to demonstrate the function of these ubiquitous structures. Pipes taking waste water out of the building into the sewer pipes are also shown. Water conservation messages are featured in the kitchen, bathroom, laundry area and rooftop of each building. DEP's construction services created an elegant wooden base for the dollhouse display.

The Natural Science Center is a teaching exhibit designed to awaken city children to their natural environment. Displays feature information about building stones, rocks and minerals, a crack in the sidewalk, city sounds, and woodland and wetland habitats. There are also live animals, including tadpoles, snakes, turtles and butterflies. There is also a wonderful display about infrastructure under the city streets.

Schools and other organized groups can tour the Natural Science Center with an educator by calling 212-769-5200 for registration. Teachers also have the opportunity to take special professional development training. In addition to the dollhouse exhibit, DEP will provide education material for distribution and serve as a resouce for visiting groups.

The Alexander M. White Natural Science Center is open to the public from October through June on the following days and times:
Tuesdays - Fridays, 2:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Saturdays & Sundays, 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM.

Summer hours, from July 9, 2002 through August 23rd, 2002, are:
Tuesdays - Fridays, 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM, 2:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Saturdays & Sundays, 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM.

The American Museum of Natural History is located at 79th Street and Central Park West in Manhattan and is easiy accessible by public transporation. Suggested Museum admission, including the new Rose Center for Earth and Space, is $10 for adults, $6 children and $7.50 for students and seniors. The Museum has a variety of admission packages depending upon the exhibitions you wish to see