The American Museum of Natural History has always been known for creatures — just not more than a million live ones. That may change, however, as a result of its Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education and Innovation. Since this new wing opened in May, almost 1.5 million people have visited the museum, and most are thought to have explored the four floors of the Gilder Center that are open to the public. But even repeat visitors like me are still discovering its many attractions, including crawling and flying animals, mostly of the small but mighty variety. But the center, which was designed by the architect Jeanne Gang and her firm, Studio Gang, has more than wiggly wildlife.

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Persons: Richard Gilder, Jeanne Gang, Michael Kimmelman Organizations: American Museum of, Richard Gilder Center for Science, Innovation, Gilder Center, Studio, The New York Times Locations: Manhattan