EC Event 2: Natural History Museum

As soon as I walked into the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles, I could instantly see multiple exhibits that incorporated science, technology, and art.  Taxidermy and paleontology are clearly on display in this museum and are fields that, I think, require both science and art skills.  The most awe-inspiring exhibits for me were the Dinosaur Hall and the halls displaying animals (mostly mammals) in their respective geographical locations.Paleontology is the study of history on Earth, based on fossils.  The numerous dinosaur skeletons, that occupy most of the museum, made me feel miniscule standing next to them.  This reminded me of how I felt watching the “Power or Ten” short film about the vastness of the world we live in.  Paleontologists have to adhere to many steps in order to create the skeletal models of dinosaurs. Fieldwork to carefully recover the fossils is the first step.  Later on, after using many techniques, scientists must employ art when putting together, and organizing the final model to ensure that the positioning and stance is most appealing and credible to the viewer.

Taxidermy is the art of preparing, stuffing, and applying the skin of animals for display, and in this case, in a museum.  Taxidermists are only able to realistically portray animals when they have extensive knowledge of the animals’ anatomy.  Therefore, in order for this art form to be a success science and are must be united.  There are many examples of taxidermy throughout the museum, however my favorite area was the African Mammal Hall.  It is my dream to go on an African safari, and I felt like being in this hall was a sneak peak due to the realistic backgrounds and animals.

Natural History Museum. N.d. Museum. Los Angeles, Exhibition Park.

Savanna Elephant. Digital image. Explore Exhibits. Natural History Museum, n.d. Web. 7 June 2015.