Origami Holiday Tree Returns to American Museum of Natural History

The Origami Holiday Tree, a cherished holiday tradition in Manhattan, is set to open to the public on Monday at the American Museum of Natural History. This year, the 13-foot (4-meter) tree is adorned with thousands of hand-folded paper ornaments crafted by origami artists from around the globe. The tree's design is inspired by the museum's new exhibition, “Impact: The End of the Age of Dinosaurs,” which explores the significant changes in life on Earth following an asteroid impact approximately 66 million years ago.

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Co-designer Talo Kawasaki emphasized that the theme of this year's tree, “New Beginnings,” reflects the emergence of new life after the mass extinction event that wiped out the dinosaurs. The tree is topped with a golden, flaming asteroid and features a diverse array of origami representations of animals and insects, including foxes, cranes, turtles, bats, sharks, elephants, giraffes, and monkeys. Notably, it also includes origami models of dinosaurs like the triceratops and tyrannosaurus rex.

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The creation of the Origami Holiday Tree involves collaboration from volunteers worldwide, who contribute hundreds of new origami models each year. The intricate paper artworks are typically crafted from a single sheet of paper and can take days or even weeks to complete. In addition to new pieces, the tree incorporates archived works from previous seasons, including a 40-year-old model of a pterosaur, which was part of one of the museum's first origami trees in the early 1970s. Co-designer Rosalind Joyce noted that the tree features between 2,000 to 3,000 origami works, showcasing the extensive effort and creativity involved in its assembly.

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The Origami Holiday Tree has been a highlight of the American Museum of Natural History's holiday season for over 40 years, drawing visitors with its vibrant decorations and intricate designs. As the tree opens this holiday season, it continues to celebrate the themes of evolution and renewal, inviting guests to reflect on the interconnectedness of life on Earth.

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