The American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) in New York is set to host an awe-inspiring exhibition, “Cosmic Splendor: Jewelry from the Collections of Van Cleef & Arpels,” opening on April 11. This stellar showcase will feature nearly 70 pieces of high jewelry, all inspired by the cosmos, including celestial, mythological, and astrological themes.
“Cosmic Splendor” celebrates the eternal fascination with the night sky and the profound beauty of the universe. For centuries, humanity has looked to the stars, using their grandeur to create breathtaking works of art. This exhibition pays tribute to that inspiration, blending the artistry of Van Cleef & Arpels with the mysteries of space.
The collection on display will include remarkable pieces such as necklaces featuring rockets soaring into space, pendants adorned with gems that mimic the vastness of distant nebulae, and timepieces with intricate mechanisms that track the movements of planets. Each piece is a tribute to the celestial wonders that have long captured the imagination of creators and stargazers alike.
Featured pieces in the exhibition will come from Van Cleef & Arpels’ Patrimonial Collection, as well as contemporary jewels lent by private collectors. The exhibition will be housed in the Melissa and Keith Meister Gallery, located in the newly renovated Allison and Roberto Mignone Halls of Gems and Minerals. This gallery, which opened in February 2021, has previously hosted the successful “Garden of Green” exhibition by Van Cleef & Arpels, as well as the popular “Ice Cold: An Exhibition of Hip-Hop Jewelry.”
“Cosmic Splendor” is made possible by the generous support of the Kate W. Cassidy Foundation.
Related articles:
