Opened in 1903, this museum houses three floors of exhibits, which display a varied and sometimes curious collection of objects relating to history, the natural world, and art. A highlight of the latter is a collection of Hudson River School paintings, including works by Frederic Church and Albert Bierstadt. In 2008, the museum unveiled its first new gallery in more than 100 years: the Feigenbaum Hall of Innovation. This multimedia, interactive exhibit includes historical artifacts, works of art, and video about Berkshire innovators such as Crane & Co., the paper company that prints U.S. currency, and Douglas Trumbull, who created special effects for films including 2001: A Space Odyssey and Star Wars. An aquarium contains 26 tanks of sea creatures, including a touch tank. At 10 feet high and 26 feet long, "Wally" the Stegosaurus highlights the Dinosaurs and Paleontology gallery. At the Dino Dig, kids and adults can dig together for replicas of dinosaur bones. An ancient civilization gallery displays Roman and Greek jewelry and an ancient Egyptian mummy. Check out the expanded museum shop, now located down the street.
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