Smithsonian opens $21M human evolution hall

[March 17, 2010]  WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History is opening a new permanent exhibit exploring human evolution over 6 million years.

The nearly $21 million Hall of Human Origins opens Wednesday. It will include more than 285 fossils and artifacts, including the only Neanderthal skeleton in the United States.

Curator Rick Potts says the exhibit tracks major milestones of human development, including when we started walking upright and speaking. He says the science can be compatible with religious perspectives.

Most of the funding came from billionaire David H. Koch (COKE), executive vice president of Kansas-based energy company Koch Industries Inc.

The museum attracted 7.4 million visitors last year, making it the most popular U.S. museum.

[Associated Press; By BRETT ZONGKER]

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