EXHIBITS an Evolution
CHAPTER 2 EXHIBITS An Evolution Frances Kruger, Not Finished After All These Years Liz Clancy, and Museums have many important functions, but exhibits are what most Kristine A. Haglund people come to see. In addition to educating and entertaining, exhibits bring visitors in the door, generating revenue that supports Museum operations. More than a century after John F. Campion spoke at the Museum’s opening exercises on July 1, 1908, his observation that “a museum of natural history is never finished” is especially true in the world of exhibits (Fig. 2.1)—and in fact needs to stay true for the Museum to remain relevant (Alton 2000). Times change, expectations change, demographics change, and opportuni- ties change. This chapter is a selective, not-always-chronological look at some of the ways that the Museum’s exhibits have changed with the times, evolving from static displays and passive observation to immersive experi- ences to increased interactivity and active visitor involvement. Starting from a narrow early focus, the Museum went on to embrace the goal of “bringing the world to Denver” and, more recently, to a renewed regional emphasis and a vision of creating a community of critical thinkers who understand the lessons of the past and act as responsible stewards of the future.1 Figure 2.1. Alan Espenlaub putting finishing touches on the Moose-Caribou diorama. 65 DENVER MUSEUM OF NATURE & SCIENCE ANNALS | No. 4, December 31, 2013 Frances Kruger, Liz Clancy, and Kristine A. Haglund Displays and Dioramas Construction of the Colorado Museum of Natural History, as the Museum was first called, began in 1901.
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