Display of quote, “Wonder requires that we be curious enough to forgo small distractions in order to find the world.” – Aimee Nezhukumatathil. Photo by Kinsey Gade.
The all-encompassing show includes interactive dioramas of Minnesota ecosystems
By Kinsey Gade — Arts & Entertainment reporter
The Bell Museum presents an original exhibit, “Wonder: Experiences of Nature, Curiosity and Play,” open until June 7.
Reverting to the basics of education in its new original exhibit, the Bell Museum aims to spark curiosity in every attendee. The exhibit, “Wonder,” reflects Minnesota’s landscapes through dioramas, collections, activities and audio.
The exhibit took roughly eight months to prepare and was led by Ethan Kruszk, the exhibits and gallery programs manager.
Scarlet Fitzsimmons, the gallery programs coordinator, said they have used one of the museum’s strengths and passions, inquiry-based learning, to inspire and build the exhibit.
“It’s a type of learning where we’re letting the learner kind of guide things, and it’s all about asking questions and inquiry,” Fitzsimmons said.
The exhibit highlights the University of Minnesota’s insect collection, which was recently added to the Bell Museum this past fall. Additionally, the project’s team also collaborated with several creators to accomplish the all-encompassing experience.
Fiber artist Kristin Williams, who worked on the exhibit’s Minnesota forest diorama, used needle and wet felting to create life-size animals, sculptures and portraits. The team also collaborated with Backyard Phenology’s Climate Chaser, a mini mobile home that stores artifacts, stories and books.
Muskan Sawa, a University of Minnesota graduate student and Bell Museum interpretive guide, said the exhibition’s interactive elements emphasize the theme of wonder, especially for kids.
“The kids get really creative, especially with the diorama and the tent area,” Sawa said. “It really simulates a camping experience and being in wildlife.”
Fitzsimmons said that behind the displays and dioramas, the exhibit’s goal is simple: to form connections and foster curiosity.
“As someone who is passionate about nature, I know that if I can spark a little bit of curiosity in someone here, whether someone walks away really excited about the bugs or the birds, that’s all I really want out of this,” she said.
“Wonder: Experiences of Nature, Curiosity and Play” is on view from Jan. 24 to June 7 at the Bell Museum, 2088 Larpenteur Ave W, St. Paul, MN 55113
Bell Museum hours of operation are Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tickets starting at $12.
Free admission for Bell Members and University of Minnesota students.
To purchase tickets, visit https://www.bellmuseum.umn.edu/admissions/ or call the museum at (612) 626-9660
