Uncover the Hidden Treasures: A Rare Fossil Exhibition at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History
The Carnegie Museum of Natural History has unveiled a captivating exhibition, offering a rare glimpse into its hidden collection of ancient artifacts and fossils. The exhibition, titled 'The Stories We Keep', showcases items that are typically not displayed, carefully selected by the museum's dedicated researchers and curators.
Sarah Crawford, the director of museum experience, shared with ABC News that the curators were inspired to create this exhibition to showcase items that would otherwise remain unseen. The museum's vast collection includes over 22 million objects and specimens, with only a fraction on display at any given time, a common challenge faced by many natural history museums.
The exhibition's unique feature is the Visible Collections display, which includes a conservation lab where visitors can witness the restoration process in action. This interactive experience allows guests to engage with the scientists who preserve and maintain these precious artifacts.
One of the highlights is a 40-foot Egyptian funerary boat, meticulously restored from its individual planks. The exhibition also showcases a cuneiform cylinder from King Nebuchadnezzar II, dating back over 2,500 years, a fossilized bird feather found in Utah, approximately 48.5 million years old, and the lower jaw of a pygmy hippopotamus. These items provide a fascinating insight into the museum's diverse collection.
Additionally, the Minerals and Earth Science Collection features toxic, radioactive specimens that could be harmful if ingested, as well as a meteorite that fell in Pennsylvania. The 'Collecting So Many Bugs' display showcases the museum's 13 million invertebrate specimens, many of which are rare or from previously unexplored habitats.
The exhibition, unveiled in November, has captivated both new and returning visitors with its unique blend of education and entertainment. The visible conservation lab ensures that the exhibition remains fresh and engaging, offering a new perspective with each visit. This innovative approach to exhibition design has sparked curiosity and awe, making it a must-see for anyone interested in the wonders of the natural world.
