Whales: Giants of the Deep Exhibition Opens at American Museum of Natural History, March 23

Whales: Giants of the Deep will "transport visitors to the vibrant underwater world of the mightiest animals on Earth. The exhibition explores the latest research about these marine mammals as well as the central role they have played for thousands of years in human cultures. From the traditions of New Zealand's Maori whale riders and the Kwakwaka'wakw peoples of the Pacific Northwest to the international whaling industry and the rise of laws protecting whales from commercial hunting, the exhibition traces the close connections between humans and whales."

Through a variety of interactive exhibits, visitors will experience a re-created dive to the depths of the sea with a sperm whale on the hunt for a giant squid, crawl through a life-size replica of the heart of the blue whale-the largest living animal on the planet-listen to whale croons, and meet people whose lives have been inextricably linked with whales-from legendary whale riders to scientists and former whaling families.

Whales: Giants of the Deep is developed and presented by the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. This exhibition was made possible through the support of the New Zealand Government. The Museum gratefully acknowledges the Richard and Karen LeFrak Exhibition and Education Fund. Generous support for Whales has been provided by the Eileen P. Bernard Exhibition Fund.

ADMISSION: Admission to the exhibition is $25 for adults, $14.50 for children, and $19 for seniors and students. For tickets, the public should call 212-769-5200 or visit www.amnh.org.