Although I think living museums are niche… only relevant to the people that take interest to them they can possess many problems ranging from upkeep, personnel staffing to security breaches. Living history museum don’t move me. I think they are cool and great for children because it’s a way of telling history through performance art. I…
Read MoreWhen thinking about what goes into Living Collections, the first thing that came to mind is maintenance. Whether it is animals in a zoo, plants in a garden, or even actors in a reenactment, there is always something that needs regular attention. Plants, for example, need appropriate hydration and adequate sunlight in order to remain…
Read MoreStrolling through an aquarium or a zoo as kid, I always wondered how the animals were fed, cared for, and if they ever went somewhere other than their enclosure. Little did I know then that I was hitting on some of the complications of having a living collection! Not that aquariums and zoos are the…
Read MoreThe number and types of complications that occur when carrying for a living collection grow in parallel with the size and complexity of the collection itself often to a greater extent then non-living collections. This is mostly due to two primary factors which affect living collections, but not non-living collections. Firstly, living collections are…
Read MoreI think that one of the most obvious complications with having living collections is the fact that you need to continuously care for these collections. With other types of museums, the objects that are in the collection are either already dead, or inanimate. Live animals require specific environments in order for them to live well…
Read MoreIn regards to a living collection like an aquarium, zoo, historical and heritage sites, or botanical garden, much more constant care would be required since, as the name “living collection” implies, the collection itself is literally alive. While it is nice to be able to see something that is alive, like an animal, plant, or…
Read MoreLiving collections serve different purposes. Depending on if its for education or research. Whether it is to help plants or animals that may be exposed to extinction, so they can regrow or repopulate. To be placed back into their natural habitat or learning how to link plants to humans for medicinal purposes or even preserve…
Read MoreLiving collections include botanical gardens, living culture collections, zoos, living anthropod collections, aquariums, and living museums. The attraction of living museums to the general public is immense. In fact, many living museums play a major role in contributing to local and national economies. They also contribute to scientific education, research, conservation, experimental research plots, and…
Read MoreLiving collections and living reenactments have become popular features in museums, historical sites, and heritage centers. These attractions involve the use of live animals, plants, or people to recreate historical events, cultural traditions, or natural environments. While they can enhance the educational experience for visitors, there are also several complications that arise with having living…
Read MoreThe obstacles to having live collections seems to begin quickly and never end! It makes me think back to being very young and asking my parents if we could get a dog. The answer to this question usually involved “you will have to take care of it everyday, multiple times a day, for its’ entire…
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