Sign up for our newswire newsletter

 

Short Takes

Museums & Attractions

  • The Carnegie Museum of Natural History in Pittsburgh, introduced in November the first phase of Dinosaurs in Their Time, the museum’s largest renovation project since it was founded in 1895. This new exhibit replaces Dinosaur Hall and when it’s complete will be more than three times larger than its predecessor. Phase One features the Triassic, Jurassic, and early Cretaceous periods as well as the Cretaceous Seaway. Phase Two, which will open this spring, will feature the remainder of the Cretaceous Period. The exhibit includes new specimens never before seen by the public. For more information, call 412.622.3131 or visit www.carnegiemnh.org.

  • Orient-Express Hotels signed an agreement to acquire the land and building of the Donnell branch of the New York Public Library in Manhattan. Orient-Express plans to build a 150-room luxury hotel, including a rebuilt Donnell Library Center within it. The overall project is estimated at $220 million, inclusive of the purchase of the library, and $100 million will be invested in renovations. The property will be marketed under a new 21 Hotel brand name, including new dining and spa facilities, as well as expanded banqueting and dining space for the existing restaurant. Orient-Express will pay the library $59 million in cash, in addition to the value of the library space. The New York Public Library will retain approximately 28,000 square feet in the building for the new overhauled Donnell Library, which will occupy three levels. The library will close to the public in fall, and the rebuilding is expected to be completed in 2011. For more information, call the library at 212.621.0619 or visit www.nypl.org.

Book Report
  • Meeting Strategies Worldwide business principals Amy Spatrisano and Nancy J. Wilson released a book geared toward meeting planners, Simple Steps to Green Meetings and Events: The Professional’s Guide to Saving Money and the Earth. The book follows a comprehensive, systematic approach to successfully greening all aspects of events and defines a business case for environmentally responsible practices that includes potential cost savings to both planners and suppliers The book includes tips on negotiating green practices and asking the right questions for a successful green meeting. For more information, call 503.252.5458 or visit www.meetingstrategiesworldwide.com.