Natural history museums are evolving beyond static displays to become dynamic centers for education and environmental awareness. While long-standing institutions known for dioramas and preserved specimens, museums like the Neuchâtel Museum of natural History in Switzerland are embracing innovative storytelling techniques-including podcasts and art installations-to connect with modern audiences [[1]]. This shift aims to foster a deeper understanding of the natural world and our place within it,appealing to both long-time enthusiasts and a new generation of explorers.
Natural history museums, often sparking nostalgic memories for adults, continue to captivate younger generations. These institutions offer an immersive journey into the world of living things – from wildlife and plant life to stunning geological exhibits. The enduring appeal of these museums speaks to a universal fascination with the natural world, a cornerstone of family outings and educational experiences.
What draws visitors of all ages to these halls, says Ludovic Maggioni, director of the Neuchâtel Museum of Natural History, “is ‘the living world, quite simply.’” The diversity of live animals holds a particular fascination for children, and natural history museums provide a space to explore the complexities of nature.
While the image of stuffed animal collections might seem outdated, these institutions are undergoing a transformation, embracing new ways to tell the story of life and raise awareness about contemporary environmental issues. The Neuchâtel Museum of Natural History, for example, has incorporated dioramas to bring its exhibits to life.
>> A lire : Au Musée d’histoire naturelle de Neuchâtel, les vitrines prennent vie grâce au podcast
>> Ecouter l’interview de Ludovic Maggioni dans le 12h30 :
“Today in the world of museums, there’s a lot of talk about storytelling, about history, about how to convey knowledge not in a strictly educational way, but rather through narratives – big and small stories – that help us try to understand the complexity… of ecosystems and our place within these vast systems,” Maggioni explains.
Approaching the Living World
Natural history museums are expanding beyond traditional natural sciences, now incorporating art and other disciplines to enrich the visitor experience. In Neuchâtel, an exhibition titled “KSSSS, KSSSS, KSSSS – Bestiaire utopique” features giant arthropods created by artists from recycled musical instruments. This innovative approach offers a “new perspective” on these specimens and uses scale to help viewers understand the diversity of arthropods, which Maggioni notes are often considered “not very sexy.”
>> Voir le sujet du 19h30 sur l’exposition “Bestiaire utopique” :
Natural history museums are reinventing themselves, but some things remain constant. Taxidermy, for example, continues to play an important role in these institutions. “It may seem outdated, but it’s very contemporary. There are still many museums in Switzerland that have taxidermists. There’s a huge amount of work behind it,” Maggioni explains. The work of taxidermists ranges from studying specimens to preparing skins for scientific collections or exhibitions, and sometimes offers the only opportunity to get a close look at “legendary” animals like wolves.
Beyond being a beloved family outing, natural history museums play a crucial role in disseminating scientific knowledge and raising awareness about current environmental challenges. To stay relevant, these institutions are offering interactive activities, hands-on experiences, and nature-based programs, especially for young people, to encourage experimentation and playful learning.
Propos recueillis par Blandine Levite
Adaptation web: ld
