Elephant in the Room: Small Talk, Big Issues
Explore NHM’s iconic 100-year-old diorama halls after-hours with Elephant in the Room, a bold new discussion series that tackles thought-provoking, and sometimes controversial, topics in the museum world and elsewhere. This year’s theme pulls back the curtain on the artistry, science, and controversies surrounding the museum’s beloved installations, providing a platform for dialogue and discovery. The inaugural series complements NHM’s latest exhibition, Reframing Dioramas: The Art of Preserving Wilderness, offering a fresh perspective on these iconic and historic displays. Through this lens, you’ll:
- Explore the evolving role of dioramas in addressing critical issues in biodiversity, ecology, and conservation––and their lasting impact on those fields.
- Uncover how dioramas combine immersive art and scientific accuracy to educate and inspire while focusing on the ethical issues surrounding dioramas .
- Gain behind-the-scenes insights from the artists and scientists who brought these scenes to life over the decades.
Join us for an evening of art, science, and storytelling like no other!
Upcoming Events:
DIORAMAS: ART OR SCIENCE?
Thursday, February 27, 2025 | 6–9 pm
Experience an in-depth exploration of the history and evolution of dioramas. Don’t miss moderator, neuroscientist and science communicator, Dr. Yewande Pearse in conversation with artists, Saul Becker, creator of A Peculiar Garden, Yesenia Prieto, from the art collective Special Species, the creators behind A Delicate Moment in Time, and NHM’s Exhibitions Developer, Matt Davis.
In this talk, we’ll consider the world of dioramas, from their historical roots to their cultural and modern-day significance, and dive into the ethical considerations surrounding the acquisition of collections and the delicate balance between art and science in creating these immersive scenes. Explore the future of dioramas and how they should evolve to continue educating, inspiring, and challenging audiences for years to come.
TAXIDERMY: CHALLENGES OF A LOST ART
Thursday, March 13 | 6–9 pm
Delve into the history and evolution of taxidermy with insights from experts. Dr. Yewande Pearse moderates a conversation with Allis Markham and Paloma Strong from Prey Taxidermy, alongside NHM’s renowned resident Taxidermist, Tim Bovard.
Dive into the world of taxidermy–its challenges, evolution, and ethical considerations. Explore taxidermy's vital role in museum collections, particularly when scientific accuracy and artistic expression co-exist. From the changing methods of specimen acquisition to the ongoing balance of preserving history and the natural world, this conversation will offer insight into the challenges of the art and science of taxidermy.
THE MANY FACES OF CONSERVATION
Thursday, March 20 | 6–9 pm
Engage in a discussion on changing perspectives in conservation science. Dr. Yewande Pearse leads a panel featuring producer and artist Lauren Schoth, creator of The Ever-Changing Flow, along with [additional experts to be announced].
Conservation work is as important today as it has ever been and recent natural disasters only amplify how critical conservation efforts are. In this eye-opening discussion, explore the ways in which art, science, and culture can inform the future of conservation. From artistic representations in museums, to boots to the ground research, and indigenous knowledge, conservation is a community effort. How can differing perspectives work hand in hand to tackle the biggest challenges facing conservation efforts today?
