Oxford University Museum of Natural History
London, UK
Founded: 1860
Oxford University's unique Museum of Natural History now holds the school's internationally significant collections of geological and zoological specimens. Housed in a stunning example of neo-Gothic architecture, the museum's growing collections underpin a broad, diverse program.
Unlike traditional family-based assortments, species here are displayed at random. "As the first building to focus on science education in the University of Oxford, this museum was the place where the legendary debate over Darwin's theory of evolution happened between Thomas Huxley and the Bishop of Oxford. Built in the high time of the Christian belief in creation, various specimens were displayed all together under one large sky roof where the metaphor of 'the light of God's creation' was experienced by Victorian visitors. Today this special exhibition narrative is still kept as an artifact and it can surprise visitors by placing a mammal like a fox next to dinosaurs," Wang said.
Oxford's gallery is unlike most natural history museums, which display specimens via an evolutionary timeline. This special exhibition, by mixing wonders of nature together, can help visitors build their own understanding of our relationship with nature.
