American Museum of Natural History Open To Public 1/1, Two Attractions To Close 1/2

The Museum of Natural History will be open to the public on New Year's Day, and two popular attractions at the museum, Race To the End of the Earth and the renowned Wittelsbach Diamond, will close January 2.

Open all of New Year's weekend, including Saturday, January 1, 2011, the museum is providing visitor's a last chance to explore Race to the End of the Earth, an exhibition that recounts one of the most stirring tales of Antarctic exploration: the life-and-death contest between two explorers-Norwegian Roald Amundsen and Captain Robert Falcon Scott of the British Royal Navy-to be the first to reach the South Pole in 1911-1912.

The weekend also marks the last opportunity for visitors to view the extraordinary 31.06-carat natural fancy deep blue Wittelsbach-Graff Diamond, a stunning gem with a long history of royal owners.

WHERE: American Museum of Natural History

HOURS: The Museum is open daily, 10 am-5:45 pm.

(Note: The Museum is open on New Year's Day.)

For additional information, the public may call 212-769-5100 or visit the Museum's website at www.amnh.org.