The American Museum of Natural History’s beloved Origami Holiday Tree returns this year, featuring over 1,000 hand-folded paper models inspired by the world’s leaping critters. In honor of the leap year’s end, this year’s theme is “Jumping for Joy,” celebrating animals that hop, from rabbits, grasshoppers, and kangaroos to frogs, squirrels, and the newly-discovered leaping leech. The 13-foot tree will be on display in the Ellen V. Futter Gallery on the first floor starting November 25 through mid-January.
Created with the help of OrigamiUSA, the tree is decorated with hundreds of hand-folded paper models crafted by local, national, and international origami artists. Volunteers from around the world will work on the origami models for many weeks or even months, before sending them to the museum in the fall.
The Origami Holiday Tree, a feature of the museum for more than 40 years, is inspired by museum exhibits on display. Past years have included “Proboscideans on Parade,” during the “The Secret World of Elephants” exhibition, “Beautiful Bugs,” in honor of the new science building and insectarium, and “Gems of the Museum,” which paid tribute to the museum’s newly renovated Allison & Roberto Mignone Hall of Gems and Minerals.
In addition to leaping animals, the tree will feature models inspired by iconic AMNH exhibits, including the Blue Whale and Tyrannosaurus rex.
You can view the tree for free with museum admission.
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