About the Project
The Bell Museum conducts collections-based research and showcases the ways people connect with nature, especially birds. To celebrate their 150 year anniversary, the Bell Museum wanted a 4,700 square foot exhibit that highlights the wonders of birds as well as the institution’s contributions to science.
OES and partner Drumminhands Design worked closely with Museum and University staff to design an experience that connects visitors to the work being done behind the scenes, and to pieces from their collection that are not regularly on display.
Art collections became illustrations of our understanding of birds over time, from flight to migratory patterns to field observations. Still life and objects from the natural history collections came alive through video montages. Genomic sequencing was explained through an interactive “Be The Scientist” choice game, and DNA studies and recent discoveries that have helped scientific communities understand birds’ relationship to dinosaurs were showcased in an animated Tree of Life experience.