In the morning, Mary, Marcy and I headed over to see the Naturkunde, Natural History, Museum. This museum was a lot different from the other Natural History museums I have been to, the Field museum and the Smithsonian. What impressed and surprised me the most was that two of the main exhibits dealt with what is usually strictly behind the scenes business. Here we see over 1 million specimens of sea life, reptiles, and amphibians preserved in jars filled with ethanol.
It was strange to see, but so interesting to get a glimpse of what goes on behind the scenes in museums dealing with natural history. Another behind the scenes exhibit dealt with the history of taxidermy and model sculpture practices in museums, and how they have evolved over time, creating a narrative machinery from past to present. It was as if this museum was not just on Natural history, but the HISTORY of Natural History and its study and how museums portrayed their findings to the viewer.
We of course looked at the dinosaur bones, which is always a must see. This young man seemed to enjoy the dinosaurs very much.
Lastly, we walked into the evolution. At first glance, you see what appears to be a cabinet of curiosity, filled with colorful birds, exquisite insects, and monstrous lions. It is almost overwhelming to look at, fantastic and unbelievable. An exhibit in front allows you to scroll over any animal and read it's name. When you walk past this cabinet, you see the mission and actual information. What I loved about this exhibit was that it provided specific examples of certain evolutionary practices or traits in the animals they chose, and then provided an interesting text describing why a certain animal looks a certain way, why there are so many different types of lady bugs, why mutations happen etc. The animals and examples draw the viewers in, building their curiosity, and almost beckoning them to read the text. I thought this was a very unique way to draw the viewer in, and still educate them at the same time.
In the evening, our group attended Bach Nacht at the Berlin Cathedral. The inside of the cathedral was beautiful, and I am very grateful to have been able to have this experience. Despite this, the music was surprisingly quiet, and I could not see the orchestra at all which caused me to get very fidgety. While I think this is a great way to use this space, I think that improvements could be made so that all would enjoy the performance. Adjusting the acoustics somehow will make it easier to hear, and be immersed in the music, while bringing in some sort of temporary stage would allow to audience to see their performers. The Cathedral seems to hold onto traditional powers, where those with the most money can have good seats and hear and see the music, while the rest belong stuck in the back without sight or hearing.
Lanna and I in front of the Cathedral.
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