‘These are artifacts from history’: exhibition celebrates objects of sporting victory
The American Museum of Natural History has opened “For the Win,” an exhibit that displays historic sports trophies, medals, and rings from the late 19th century to the present. Highlighting items such as Jesse Owens’ 1936 gold medal and Breanna Stewart’s 2024 WNBA ring, the show contextualizes thes…
At the American Museum of Natural History in New York, a new exhibit called For the Win invites visitors to step into the glittering world of championship trophies, medals, and rings that have marked U.S. sports for nearly 150 years. The display, timed to coincide with the city’s hosting of the 2026 World Cup, brings together objects that have long been the focus of fan devotion and the personal pride of athletes.
From Police Medals to Olympic Gold
The collection opens with an 1877 New York Police Department Medal of Valor, a piece whose interlocking “N” and “Y” are said to have inspired the New York Yankees’ iconic logo. A few decades later, the exhibit showcases one of Jesse Owens’ four gold medals from the 1936 Berlin Olympics, a relic that survived years of disappearance before fetching a record price at auction. In the 21st century, the show features Breanna Stewart’s diamond‑encrusted 2024 WNBA championship ring, a jawbreaker‑style piece that also houses matching earrings.
Celebrating Modern Champions
Modern sports icons are represented through a range of trophies and keepsakes. Seattle Seahawks’ Super Bowl champions are honored with victory photographs, while Atlanta Braves outfielder Joc Pederson’s pearl necklace—styled during the 2021 World Series run—adds a touch of celebrity flair. The exhibit also includes a 2024 WNBA trophy from the New York Liberty, displayed in the team’s locker room before being loaned to the museum.
Curating History in a Science Museum
Curator Vikki Tobak explains that the museum’s gems and minerals gallery provides a fitting backdrop for these artifacts, emphasizing the craftsmanship and artistry of each piece. “These trophies, rings, and medals are artifacts in the same way,” she says, drawing a parallel between sports memorabilia and the museum’s traditional displays of dinosaur fossils and rare insects.
Senior adviser Rich Kleiman, who has worked closely with NBA star Kevin Durant, highlights the psychological value athletes place on their trophies. “Athletes want to keep the emotional connection to their victories while continuing to improve,” he notes. Kleiman’s experience with Durant’s own 2024 Olympic gold medal and 2017 NBA ring helped shape the exhibit’s narrative of perseverance and achievement.
Challenges of Displaying Legendary Prizes
Not every trophy is easy to acquire. The Heisman Trophy, for example, is rarely loaned out, and the Stanley Cup is returned to teams after each season, with only smaller replicas kept by players. The World Cup trophy, still on a U.S. tour before the tournament, is also unavailable for display. Even items that have been lost, such as Owens’ gold medal, have a storied provenance that adds depth to the exhibit.
Some pieces, like Claressa Shields’ 2019 middleweight championship belt, were personally delivered to the museum by the athlete herself, underscoring the trust placed in the institution’s conservation expertise.
Experiencing Sports Without the Confetti
Beyond the artifacts, the museum has created a space for family‑friendly, play‑based activities and watch parties that tie into the World Cup celebrations. Visitors can contrast the quiet reverence of the exhibit with the lively atmosphere of live sporting events, gaining a fresh perspective on what makes these moments memorable.
“For the Win” invites guests to consider the symbols of victory—trophies, medals, rings—as more than mere objects. They are representations of human ambition, cultural identity, and the enduring allure of competition. The exhibit, now open, offers a rare opportunity to view these treasures in a setting that celebrates both their historical significance and artistic beauty.
What Happens Next?
The American Museum of Natural History plans to keep the exhibit running through the World Cup, with additional temporary displays featuring current athletes’ trophies. Visitors are encouraged to explore the collection and reflect on how these artifacts shape the narrative of American sports.
Why it matters
By placing sports trophies in a scientific museum context, the exhibit reframes athletic achievements as cultural artifacts, offering a new lens through which to appreciate the history and artistry of American sports.
Key points
- 150‑year span of U.S. sports trophies on display
- Highlights include Jesse Owens’ gold medal and Breanna Stewart’s 2024 WNBA ring
- Curators emphasize craftsmanship and emotional value of each piece
- Challenges in acquiring iconic trophies like the Heisman and Stanley Cup
- Museum offers family‑friendly activities alongside the exhibit
Frequently asked questions
How long is the For the Win exhibit open?
The exhibit runs through the 2026 World Cup, with plans for additional temporary displays featuring current athletes’ trophies.
Can visitors see the World Cup trophy?
The World Cup trophy is touring the U.S. in advance of the tournament and is not part of the museum’s current display.
What is the museum’s role in preserving these artifacts?
The American Museum of Natural History’s conservation team safeguards the trophies, ensuring they are displayed under controlled lighting and environmental conditions.
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