"Beautiful Science: Ideas that Changed the World," a permanent exhibition in The Huntington’s Dibner Hall, encourages visitors to think about the beauty of science in a historical context—the elegant breakthroughs, the remarkable discoveries, and the amazing people and stories behind them.

The objects featured here are representative of the kinds of material on display, as items rotate to avoid their over-exposure to light.

The exhibition is arranged around four areas of exploration that include exceptional items from The Huntington’s collection.

Using original source material that spans the 16th century through modern day, each gallery focuses on the changing role of science over time, and the astonishing leaps in imagination made by scientists.

Works in the exhibition represent centuries of thought, showing how knowledge has become more refined over time.

When seen as a collection, the power and range of human achievement on display is truly awe-inspiring.