The American Museum of Natural History is one of the world's preeminent scientific, educational, and cultural institutions. Since its founding in 1869, the museum has pursued its mission through a broad program of scientific research, education, and exhibitions. Each year, approximately 5 million visitors experience the museum's 40-plus permanent exhibition galleries, the Rose Center for Earth and Space, and the Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation. The museum's collections, only a tiny fraction of which are on view, surpass 34 million specimens and artifacts. The museum's David S. and Ruth L. Gottesman Library and Research Center contains nearly half a million volumes of illuminated monographs, reprints, and original rare books.