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Literature Review

The Diorama Dilemma: A Literature Review and Analysis (2009)

November 25, 2009 | Exhibitions
The value of dioramas has been hotly debated within many institutions. Are they still relevant as museum exhibitions? Can they deeply engage a diverse public in this digital age? Some museum professionals regard dioramas as “boring” and “static,” while visitors have called them “creepy” displays of “dead animals.” Yet many more professionals and visitors alike describe dioramas as “evocative,” “beautiful” and “powerful” fusions of art and science (Wonders, 1989; Quinn, 2006; Yanni, 2008; Benton, 2009). Since dioramas occupy significant square footage in many natural science museum galleries, the question is thus raised: should museums dismantle them, maintain them for the sake of nostalgia, or re-purpose them for contemporary audiences?

TEAM MEMBERS

  • Marjorie Schwarzer
    Author
    Oakland Museum of California
  • REVISE logo
    Author
    The Oakland Museum of California
  • Citation

    Resource Type: Research Products
    Discipline: Education and learning science | General STEM | Life science
    Audience: General Public | Museum/ISE Professionals
    Environment Type: Exhibitions | Museum and Science Center Exhibits

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