The Natural History Museum in London is embarking on a significant transformation that aims to not only showcase the wonders of natural history but also serve as a catalyst for change in response to the pressing climate emergency. This ambitious project will involve renovating the museum’s iconic Victorian building, revamping existing galleries, and introducing new exhibition spaces that will focus on the urgent need for environmental action.
The Vision for Change
According to the museum’s director, Doug Gurr, the goal of the transformation is to shift the institution from being simply a repository of natural history specimens to a platform that inspires visitors to become advocates for the planet. The museum plans to achieve this by reimagining its galleries, including the beloved dinosaur exhibit, and reopening long-closed spaces to accommodate new exhibitions with a strong focus on climate messaging.
One of the highlights of the revamped museum will be a permanent exhibition titled “Fixing Our Broken Planet,” which Gurr describes as the most explicit climate messaging the museum has ever offered. The exhibition aims to “nudge” visitors towards changing their behavior and taking action to address pressing environmental challenges.
A New Approach to Conservation
In addition to the renovation of exhibition spaces, the museum is also investing in a purpose-built storage, research, and digitization center at the Thames Valley Science Park near Reading. This state-of-the-art facility will house a significant portion of the museum’s vast natural history collection, allowing for better preservation and easier sharing of data with researchers worldwide.
Gurr emphasized the importance of caring for the museum’s collection in the face of threats like climate change, biodiversity loss, and food security. By relocating the collection to a more suitable and sustainable environment, the museum hopes to play a more active role in contributing to scientific solutions to these pressing issues.
Funding and Partnerships
The ambitious transformation of the Natural History Museum is made possible through a combination of government funding, philanthropic donations, and commercial sponsorships. The government has already committed over £200 million to support the development of the new collections and research center, with an additional £155 million earmarked for a national program to digitize natural science collections.
The museum is also seeking to raise £150 million from philanthropic and commercial sponsors, with a focus on partnering with organizations that align with its values and commitment to environmental stewardship. Gurr emphasized the museum’s stance on accepting sponsorships only from companies that demonstrate responsible environmental practices, stating that they have turned down significant funding in the past from firms that did not meet their criteria.
While the museum is open to engaging with potential sponsors from various sectors, it remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding ethical standards and avoiding partnerships with companies that have a negative impact on the environment. This principled approach reflects the museum’s dedication to promoting sustainability and conservation in all aspects of its operations.
In conclusion, the Natural History Museum’s ambitious transformation reflects a new era of engagement with environmental issues and a commitment to inspiring action and advocacy for the planet. By reimagining its galleries, investing in state-of-the-art facilities, and fostering partnerships with like-minded organizations, the museum is poised to lead the way in addressing the climate emergency and promoting a more sustainable future for all.