The Natural History Museum, London

            The importance of museums, zoos, and other similar organizations is certainly shown through the hands-on experiences that they provide many people with natural science, and frequently for the first time. Another example of their importance that was previously unknown but has proved to be just as significant, was not made apparent until late in 2019 and early 2020. As the COVID-19 global pandemic forced BILLIONS of people into quarantine and isolation, there was a growing need for mentally engaging distractions that would provide a temporary stay of emotion. This was delivered through innovation by museums, zoos, art galleries, and nature preserves from all around the world. This past week, I was able to travel all the way to England and experience the Natural History Museum in London. I was able to view over 300,000 specimens, 14 different exhibits, and went on multiple guided tours; all from the comfort of my home.

            Although virtual museum visits are not new, the COVID-19 pandemic provided a unique opportunity to expand on the experience and make them widely available to the public. My “trip” to the Natural History Museum in London provided me the experience of clicking through displayed collections; perfectly organized into categories for a wide range of interests (Figure 1). By using Google Arts & Culture, I was able to go on a virtual tour narrated by the one and only David Attenborough. Using my computer mouse in place of my feet, I made my way through the museum taking in the countless illustrations, photos, maps, models, as well as both wet and dry preserved specimens. I even went on a tour of their wet specimen room where I got to see and learn about samples originally collected by Charles Darwin! (https://artsandculture.google.com/exhibit/the-hidden-world-of-the-tank-room/pwKCcRCici8lKA).

Every exhibit on my virtual tour had placards filled with interesting information but unfortunately, it was necessary to zoom into them to read and that made them very fuzzy and difficult to read. Despite that difficulty, the fluidity of the placards throughout the exhibits was apparent. Large signs were posted in each exhibit discussing and providing information on its overall theme and each picture, model, or specimen displayed also had its own small label that included a short description (Figure 2). Using multiple methods of engagement, in both the virtual experience and in-person exhibits, this museum provides a wonderful experience for anyone of any age! A perfect balance of engagement methods is shown below in Figure 3 including multiple pictures and illustrations; a couple models and/or specimens; computer screens playing educational videos; and placards with descriptions of the items on display in the exhibit.

The Natural History Museum in London is a charity that provides education to the public in an ever-growing field. It relies on the financial support of visiting patrons and from donations to keep the museum running and to fund their team of researchers. A section of their website provides information on their research and says, “Museum scientists are researching the solar system, Earth's geology and life in novel ways, using the unique combination of their expertise, collections and cutting-edge techniques.”

The Natural History Museum in London has proven to be extremely adaptable in the many wonderful and innovative ways they engage the public, which is especially evident in the virtual content they provide. We are witnessing the evolution of “the museum”. Through their use of new technologies, museums provide education to the public on the history of the natural world. A stunning display of the designed symbiosis between the completely divergent concepts of old and new.