The staff at the Florida Museum of Natural History have expressed strong support for the introduction of behind-the-scenes tours to enhance visitor engagement and provide a broader understanding of the museum’s vast collection. This initiative aims to address the significant gap between the number of specimens available and those on display.
With over 40 million specimens in its collection, the Florida Museum’s display capacity falls short. According to Julie Waters, manager of exhibit planning and development at the museum, only 1,500 specimens are showcased at any given time. This represents a mere 0.0038% of the total collection, highlighting the challenges faced by natural history museums in providing access to their extensive resources.
The museum’s staff believes that offering behind-the-scenes tours would not only allow visitors to gain insights into the collection but also foster a deeper appreciation for the work involved in conservation and research. These tours would provide access to areas typically restricted to the public, showcasing the processes of curation, preservation, and scientific study.
Many museums around the world have successfully implemented similar tours, seeing positive feedback from visitors who appreciate the opportunity to engage more intimately with the collections. By adopting this model, the Florida Museum aims to enhance the visitor experience and maximize the educational potential of its resources.
The initiative is still in the planning stages, but the enthusiasm among museum staff reflects a commitment to innovative visitor engagement strategies. The museum serves as a vital educational resource, and expanding access to its collections through behind-the-scenes tours could significantly enrich the public’s understanding of natural history.
As discussions continue, the museum is expected to explore logistical considerations, including scheduling, staffing, and safety protocols for such tours. The goal is to create a seamless experience that aligns with the museum’s mission of education and outreach while ensuring the preservation of its invaluable specimens.
In a climate where public interest in natural history is growing, the Florida Museum of Natural History is taking proactive steps to bridge the gap between its extensive collections and the public. The potential introduction of behind-the-scenes tours represents an exciting opportunity to enhance visitor engagement while showcasing the museum’s commitment to education and research.
