The Evolution of Immersive Exhibits: Reviving a Classic Museum Tradition. Dioramas, once a staple in natural history museums, are undergoing a transformation to better reflect modern science and sensibilities.
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Dioramas have been a staple in natural history museums for over a century. These immersive exhibits aim to transport visitors into the world of wildlife, but they also reflect the biases and cultural attitudes of their time.
Traditional Dioramas: A Product of Their Time
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Many classic dioramas are not entirely scientific
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They often personify animals, illustrating nuclear family groupings that don’t reflect animal lifestyles
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Female animals are frequently misrepresented or absent from exhibits
Classic dioramas have a rich history dating back to the early 20th century.
These miniature scenes were initially created by artists and hobbyists as a way to showcase their skills in scale modeling.
“The art of creating dioramas is not just about building a miniature scene, but also about telling a story.”
The first dioramas were made from cardboard, wood, and other materials, featuring intricate details and landscapes.
By the mid-20th century, diorama-making had become a popular hobby, with enthusiasts creating elaborate scenes for competitions and exhibitions.
Today, classic dioramas continue to captivate audiences with their attention to detail and storytelling ability.
Reframing Dioramas: A New Approach to Preserving Wilderness
In recent years, museums have begun to reframe their dioramas to better reflect modern science and sensibilities.
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The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County‘s new exhibit ‘Reframing Dioramas’ aims to recognize dioramas as historical artwork while incorporating modern science
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”Reframing Dioramas’ is a groundbreaking exhibit that challenges traditional notions of what a diorama should be,’ said the curator
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It highlights at-risk species in California using Mexican folk art and immersive multimedia displays
The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is one of the largest natural history museums in the world.
With over 35 million specimens, the museum showcases a vast collection of artifacts and exhibits on science, nature, and culture.
The museum's collections include dinosaur fossils, ancient Egyptian mummies, and a vast array of taxidermied animals.
Visitors can explore the hands-on Dinosaur Fossil Lab, the Butterfly Pavilion, and the Nature Gardens.

The Human Element in Dioramas
Museum curators acknowledge problems in how humans are – or aren’t – depicted in dioramas.
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Some dioramas ignore humans completely, erasing the long-term presence of Indigenous peoples as well as the impacts of modern societies
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Others depict humans inaccurately, with stereotypes and cultural misrepresentations
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Indigenous peoples are communities that have traditionally inhabited a particular region or country.
They often maintain distinct cultural, linguistic, and social identities separate from the dominant culture.
According to the United Nations, there are over 476 million indigenous people worldwide, representing 6% of the global population.
Indigenous peoples have unique relationships with their lands, which are often considered sacred.
However, they face significant challenges, including land rights disputes, cultural erasure, and economic marginalization.
A Changing Landscape: Dioramas Under Scrutiny
As museums continue to evolve, they are reevaluating their dioramas to better reflect the complexities of human history.
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The Carnegie Museum of Natural History in Pittsburgh has permanently shuttered its ‘Lion Attacking a Dromedary’ display due to its problematic representation of humans
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Other museums are following suit, dismantling displays that perpetuate stereotypes and cultural misrepresentations
The Future of Dioramas
Despite the challenges facing traditional dioramas, they still have the power to inspire wonder and a love of nature.
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Museums will continue to evolve their exhibits to better reflect modern science and sensibilities
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The Los Angeles exhibit ‘Reframing Dioramas’ is just the beginning of this new approach to preserving wilderness.
- sciencenews.org | Do science dioramas still have a place in today’s museums?