Go Behind the Scenes at the Museum

By Jim Gerwing

You step through a giant magnifying glass into the mysterious world of the museum curator. You will get a close, very close, look at hundreds, nay thousands, of objects held by the Royal BC Museum for safe-keeping and for study.

Blockbuster exhibits from other parts of the world have at times been bread and butter shows to bring in locals and tourists. In mounting these shows, the staff at the museum have always presented them with their own unique and creative innovations and hands-on experiences for visitors.

This show is a different kind of blockbuster, designed, created, and delivered completely from within house. It is Part I of "Behind the Scenes." It will be followed by the exhibition of Chinese terracotta warriors coming in 2011. That will be followed by Part II of "Behind the Scenes."

The focus of Part I is biodiversity, showing birds, insects, fish, fossils, plants, reptiles, invertebrates, and mammals. Part II will feature our human history collection. British Columbia boasts one of the richest areas of biodiversity on the planet, and our local museum has collected well over ten million specimens.

In this show you will see large specimens like moose and bear (not alive), tiny insects, countless fossils, and be able to view them under a magnification system designed and built right here specifically for this exhibit.

Docents will be available at animation stations at different times to enrich the experience, but most of the exhibit will be self-explanatory. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see collections that are normally off-limits to those outside the scientific community.

In addition to the eight stations devoted to the different classifications of living things, the exhibition features a large area devoted to "aliens among us." This concentrates on twenty plants and animals that are classed as invasive species, some harmful, most of them still causing problems. A large screen will scroll through thousands of others.

The entire show hopes to inspire children as well as adults. Piper the Pika, described by someone as a "really, really freaking cute" little fellow, chosen as the mascot by children for this show, will guide them through the space. Three bubble-like enclosures, called the "AmusEum," will allow children under ten to experience what it is like to be one of the living creatures featured in the show.

Another, and deeper, adventure awaits visitors on a first-come, first-served basis. An actual visit behind the scenes will afford them an opportunity to witness what happens to specimens which are collected in the field by researchers, brought to the loading decks, and then make their way through a tunnel to the Fannin Building where they are examined, classified, and prepared for study by experts from around the world.

A totally unique area for visitors is the Biodiversity Lounge, a large space to rest comfortably, browse through the work they have seen, and enjoy daily presentations by museum experts.

Further enrichment of the museum experience is offered on the museum website. Visit .

Finally, since you have paid your admission fee, why not plan to include a visit to the two oldest buildings in Victoria right on the museum precinct, Helmcken House, never moved off its original site, and St. Ann's School House, moved here in 1974. They are open to the public from 12 noon to 4 pm every day until the end of summer, when they will be closed for a year for necessary fire-prevention up-grades.

So many times you have heard, "Don't miss this one." This show is one which I wholehearted endorse. I guarantee you will not be disappointed.

Tim Willis, Director Exhibitions and Visitor Experience, takes obvious delight in showing off a replica skull found in the mammalian exhibit.