Hip-Hop’s Jewelry Collections Take Center Stage at The American Museum of Natural History’s “Ice Cold” Exhibition

The American Museum of Natural History is set to open “Ice Cold: An Exhibition of Hip-Hop Jewelry” on May 9, featuring spectacular custom-made jewelry from some of hip-hop’s biggest stars.

The exhibition celebrates hip-hop’s cultural influence through jewelry, showcasing pieces from artists like Slick Rick, A$AP Rocky, Nicki Minaj, The Notorious B.I.G., Bad Bunny, and Erykah Badu. “Ice Cold” explores jewelry as enduring statements of individuality, empowerment, and resilience in the hip-hop community, impacting fashion, style, and culture. It’s part of New York City’s celebration of the 50th anniversary of hip-hop as a global phenomenon.

The exhibition will be located in the Melissa and Keith Meister Gallery within the Museum’s Allison and Roberto Mignone Halls of Gems and Minerals, where visitors can learn about the Earth’s mineral diversity and their use in personal adornment, tools, and technology. Admission to “Ice Cold” is included with general admission, which is “pay what you wish” for residents of the New York tristate area.

Sean M. Decatur, President of the American Museum of Natural History, expressed excitement about the exhibition, stating, “In Ice Cold, the objects are magnificent jewelry pieces and the window opens into one of the most powerful social and cultural forces of the past 50 years, Hip Hop.” The exhibition is curated by guest curator Vikki Tobak, author of “Ice Cold: A Hip-Hop Jewelry History,” along with guest co-curators Kevin “Coach K” Lee, founder of Quality Control Music, and Karam Gill, creative director and filmmaker behind the documentary series “ICE COLD.”

“Ice Cold” chronicles the evolution of hip-hop jewelry over the past five decades, from oversized gold chains of the late-1970s to today’s multi-colored jewelry with inventive designs. Hip-hop icon Slick Rick, a senior advisor for the exhibition, commented, “This collaboration with the American Museum of Natural History is a harmonious blend of creativity and cultural significance. I’m very honored to be a part of creating a unique and immersive experience for the Museum’s visitors in such a renowned space in the mecca of New York City.”

The exhibition features emblematic jewelry from legendary artists like Slick Rick, Nas, and Public Enemy, as well as pieces from contemporary artists like Tyler, the Creator and A$AP Rocky. “Ice Cold” also highlights the social and cultural significance of hip-hop jewelry, showcasing pieces that signify resilience, rebellion, and creative self-expression.

Visitors can expect to see jewelry representing artists’ hometowns, record labels, and personal experiences. From iconic symbols like The Notorious B.I.G.’s gold “Jesus piece” to extravagant works like T-Pain’s “Big Ass Chain,” the exhibition showcases the diversity and innovation of hip-hop jewelry. “Ice Cold” aims to celebrate the artists, jewelers, craftsmen, and everyday people who contributed to the storied history of hip-hop jewelry. It’s a tribute to hip-hop’s roots and its enduring impact on style and society.