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Mythic Creatures

May 26, 2007 — January 6, 2008

Traveling

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The world is full of stories about brave heroes, magical events, and fantastic beings. For thousands of years, humans everywhere—sometimes inspired by living animals or even fossils—have brought mythic creatures to life in stories, songs, and works of art. Today these creatures, from the powerful dragon to the soaring phoenix, continue to thrill, terrify, entertain, and inspire us. We seem to catch glimpses of these creatures all around us: hiding beneath the ocean waves, running silently through the forest, and soaring among the clouds. Some symbolize danger. Others, we think, can bring us luck or joy. Together mythic creatures give shape to humankind's greatest hopes, fears, and most passionate dreams.

Exhibition Highlights

Water - Creatures of the Deep Land - Creatures of the Earth Air - Creatures of the Sky Dragons - Creatures of Power Meet the Curators Resources For Educators: Mythic Creatures Collaborators

Mythic Creatures: Dragons, Unicorns & Mermaids was organized by the American Museum of Natural History, New York, in collaboration with The Field Museum, Chicago; Canadian Museum of Civilization, Gatineau-Ottawa; Australian National Maritime Museum, Sydney; and Fernbank Museum of Natural History, Atlanta.

Mythic Creatures was proudly supported by 

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