The State Museum of Natural History, Stuttgart houses one of Europe’s most significant natural history collections, with over 12 million collection items, and is Germany’s third-largest research museum. Under the headings of ‘Research and Presentation’, the collections continue to be expanded to this day. The combination of natural history research and the dissemination of a wide range of knowledge through diverse educational and public engagement activities is the hallmark of the Natural History Museum. At the Museum am Löwentor, the focus is on palaeontology and geology. The redesign of the permanent exhibition will be completed with a new exhibition area entitled “Tertiary – Born of Catastrophe”.
This area, which is to be redesigned, comprises two sub-sections to be presented in different ways. The first part tells the story of the extinction of the dinosaurs at the end of the Cretaceous period: from volcanism and the impact of an asteroid to climate change. With the subsequent Tertiary period, the era spanning from the asteroid impact 66 million years ago to the Ice Age 2.6 million years ago, the era of mammals begins. The museum is seeking an emotionally engaging presentation for this section. The second, factually presented section deals with the five major extinction events in recent history, the ‘Big Five’, and the climate. The interrelationships of this period and its events must be presented in an accessible manner, and the exhibits staged in a contemporary way. Through our exhibition design, we aim to spark visitors’ curiosity and encourage them to interact with the exhibits.
From our research, which includes participant observation and surveys of the target group, we draw valuable insights on which we base our concept. We initially implement this in the form of a model and various prototypes. In close collaboration with the researchers at the Natural History Museum, the concept is continually refined. In the first section, the Cretaceous period, with its drastic changes, is presented as an emotional experience. We place particular emphasis on engaging different senses and bringing the story to life for visitors. Hands-on exhibits are enhanced by digital media. For instance, the asteroid impact can be simulated, whilst there is also an interactive wall that can be controlled by touch. At various audio stations, we explore the question of what the world might have sounded like back then.
Impressive finds from this period are showcased in black display cases with appropriate lighting. In the second section, visitors follow in the footsteps of the five major mass extinctions. A slider controls an infographic that visualises the connections between the ‘Big Five’. Specialist visitors can learn about the mass extinctions using a detailed diagram with in-depth information. VISUELL is also responsible for the development and programming of the interactive elements. During installation, the team coordinates the work on site. The walls and interactive stations designed by us are complemented by a life-size model of a Triceratops’ head, which protrudes into the room. The overall effect is a harmonious whole that invites visitors to explore the two areas.
“Thanks to the professional and constructive collaboration with the VISUELL team, an outstanding exhibition area has been created that appeals to young and old alike.”
Exhibitions Department,
Scenography & Graphic Design,
Stuttgart Natural History Museum
