Last week, I had a workshop to attend at the Los Angeles County Natural History Museum.  While there, I decided to walk around with my camera, exploring the dioramas.  Ever since I was a little kid, I have loved natural history museums; the dioramas really come to life, bringing me in just a few feet from the African plains, the Rocky Mountains, the Arctic icefields.  I absolutely loved it.

Loxodonta, November 2010

In addition to the traditional museum displays, one hall has an entire fin whale skeleton.  Standing underneath, it was easy to admire the size and power of these grand beasts.

With the fin whale, November 2010

In walking the halls of this fantastic place, I realized many of the dioramas are a little dated and could use with a small overhaul.  Talking to other colleagues, I know this is the case in other museums as well.  It seems we live in a world where people expect “instant gratification” and seeing a diorama is no longer as good (or better?) as going to the zoo to see a living animal.  As a result, donations and visitation to museums are declining, resulting in a severely underfunded situation.

If you’re searching for a Christmas gift for the science lover on your list, please consider a membership to your local Natural History Museum.   You can become a member of the LA Natural History Museum by clicking here.

Bison, November 2010