Nature's Superheroes: Life at the Limits

A young boy and girl climbing on a giant model of a hercules beetle while their parents watch

Exhibition Information

Venue Gallery Size:

6,000 - 7,000 ft²
(550 – 750 m²)

Venue Ceiling Height:

12 ft recommended
(3.6 m)

Conservation & Security Requirements:

Low

Standard Rental Length:

14-16 weeks

Nature's Superheroes: Life at the Limits explores the remarkable "superpowers" that some extraordinary organisms have evolved to survive and thrive, even under extreme conditions.

Offering a fascinating lens on the world’s most remarkable organisms, Nature’s Superheroes: Life at the Limits describes the diverse strategies and adaptations that have evolved to aid species in their survival.

Find out which giant mammals can survive for hours without breathing, witness bizarre mating serenades, and meet the ultra-tough species that seems almost indestructible.

Highlights

Interactives, dioramas, videos, life-size and larger-than-life models, and optional live animals combine to tell the stories of extraordinary creatures across the tree of life.

Visitor favorites include opportunities to explore a mysterious cave inhabited by animals without eyes, climb a larger-than-life model of a Hercules beetle, smell the pungent odor of a carrion flower, and test out the "super powers" of select species from the exhibition in a kinetic digital game.

Parents and daughter look on at a life-sized model of an elephant seal hanging from the ceiling

Visitors are wowed by a life-size model of a Southern Elephant seal, which can hold its breath for up to two hours at a time.
R. Mickens/© AMNH

Two boys are viewed from behind as they look at a large recreation of a coral reef

This coral reef diorama depicts a unique strategy for reproduction: synchronous spawning.
R. Mickens/© AMNH

Two teenagers look at a display case featuring a model of a bowerbird and its nest adorned with blue objects

When the male satin bowerbird is ready to mate, it builds an elaborate nest-like structure called a bower, which it decorates with flowers, shells, feathers, and other eye-catching baubles to attract females.
R. Mickens/© AMNH

A family surrounds a touchable exhibit of an eagle's leg and talons

These touchable talons belong to the one of the world's largest birds of prey, the harpy eagle.
R. Mickens/© AMNH

A model of a titan flower is the highlight of a section on reproduction

In this section, visitors will be introduced to the bowerbird, the titan arum flower, and numerous other species that have adapted incredible ways to reproduce.
D. Finnin/© AMNH