A new exhibition at the American Museum of Natural History in New York, timed to the upcoming World Cup, offers fans a rare chance to get up close with iconic sports trophies, rings, and medals. Titled For the Win, the showcase spans nearly 150 years of US sports history, featuring objects from Jesse Owens' 1936 Olympic gold to WNBA star Breanna Stewart's 2024 championship ring.
Highlights of the Exhibition
The exhibition includes the 1877 NYPD Medal of Valor, whose interlocking N and Y are believed to have inspired the New York Yankees' logo. Other notable pieces include one of Owens' four gold medals from the 1936 Berlin Games and Stewart's diamond-encrusted ring that also houses matching earrings. Victory photography, such as the Super Bowl-champion Seattle Seahawks, and talismans like Joc Pederson's pearl necklace from the 2021 World Series are also on display.
Behind the Scenes
Curated by Vikki Tobak and Rich Kleiman, the exhibition is housed in the museum's gems and minerals space to emphasize craftsmanship. Kleiman, a longtime agent and business partner to Kevin Durant, notes that athletes often keep their prizes out of sight to maintain hunger. Durant lent his 2024 Olympic gold and 2017 NBA championship ring, but some items, like the Heisman Trophy, are rarely loaned.
The World Cup trophy is touring the US and not included, as the original was stolen. The New York Liberty's 2024 WNBA trophy was displayed before joining the show. Claressa Shields personally delivered her 2019 middleweight championship belt, despite the museum being unable to verify its metal composition.
Exhibition Experience
The exhibition space is kept in near darkness, with artifacts bathed in light. Some trophies still bear players' fingerprints, adding a human touch. The museum also plans all-ages play elements and watch parties for the World Cup. As Tobak says, "These symbols are going to outlive us all."
