Before coming to London, I never considered exhibitions or museums to be my thing. However, this was also true because I had never made an effort to visit any and actively learn from them. As I started visiting more exhibitions and museums, I found immense joy and comfort in being in those spaces. At the Museum of the History of Science, I felt both happiness and thrill as I learned about various objects. I also felt the weight of history and the realisation that each object had lived a vivid and complex life. I wonder why we sometimes feel eerie in such spaces. (link to another blog that explores this concept)
Regarding the Natural History Museum, my feelings were entirely different. Looking at hundreds of objects, I felt overwhelmed. The stacking of items in glass cases felt unsettling. It seemed like it took away the joy of the pursuit of knowledge from items meant to be studied and explored in their respective contexts, bringing them all together in one place to be seen and examined by people like us. When I began looking individual objects, I started appreciating the details and beauty in each one. I saw numerous objects that were absolutely stunning, some of which I had only heard of or seen in cartoon versions. I couldn't think of a category that this museum hadn't covered—it seemed to go on and on. I spent most of my time exploring the section featuring various objects in the museum. The other part showcased dead animals, which, for personal reasons, I chose not to give my time. Overall I enjoyed both the museums.
Museum Of The History Of Science
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