The staff at the Florida Museum of Natural History has expressed strong support for expanding behind-the-scenes tours, highlighting a significant capacity issue faced by natural history museums. With over 40 million specimens and objects in its collection, the museum currently displays only 1,500 specimens at any given time, which represents a mere 0.0038% of its total holdings.
Natural history museums often struggle with the balance between preserving vast collections and providing public access to those collections. As a result, many museums are looking for innovative ways to engage visitors beyond the traditional exhibit space. The Florida Museum, located in Gainesville, Florida, is no exception.
Challenges of Limited Exhibit Space
According to Julie Waters, who manages exhibit planning and development at the Florida Museum, the limited space dedicated to exhibits hampers the ability to showcase the full diversity of the museum’s collections. “We have an incredible array of specimens that tell the story of our planet’s history,” she explained. “But only a small fraction can be displayed at any time.”
The appeal of behind-the-scenes tours lies in their potential to provide visitors with a deeper understanding of the museum’s work. These tours can include access to areas not typically open to the public, such as collection storage and laboratories, where visitors can see researchers at work and learn about the processes involved in preserving and studying specimens.
Broad Support for Enhanced Access
The enthusiasm for behind-the-scenes tours has been echoed by museum staff across various departments. Many believe that these tours not only enrich the visitor experience but also foster a greater appreciation for the sciences and the importance of conservation.
Staff members have noted that personal interactions during these tours can ignite curiosity and inspire future generations to engage with science. As a result, a concerted effort is being made to develop and promote these tours, which could ultimately help museums showcase more of their collections and educate the public on their significance.
The Florida Museum is not alone in facing these challenges. Many institutions worldwide are grappling with similar dilemmas regarding space and resource allocation. As more museums consider expanding their behind-the-scenes offerings, the hope is that visitors will gain a more comprehensive understanding of the vast and intricate world of natural history.
As discussions continue around enhancing these tours, the Florida Museum’s staff remains committed to finding innovative solutions to bridge the gap between their extensive collections and public engagement. This initiative could pave the way for a more informed and inspired audience, ultimately benefiting both the museum and its visitors.
