In the context of commemorative activities for International Museum Day, the work team met for a reflective day of museum projections
Last Monday, May 13, on the eve of the International Museum Day 2024a reflective day took place at the Natural History Museum of Valparaíso on the future of this traditional institution, which is approaching its 150 years of existence.
The central premise of this meeting was museographic evaluation, considering that 10 years have passed since its inauguration. In a participatory environment, the current context was addressed, characterized by new scientific challenges and a growing climate crisis that impacts our ecosystem.
The meeting had the active contribution of each work area, under the direction of Sergio Quiroz Jara, who led the presentation. Reference was made to the process of creating the permanent exhibition “Biodiversity in the Valparaíso Region”, which has marked a milestone in museum management. This exhibition, with an engaging and interactive narrative, offers answers to fundamental questions, guiding visitors on a journey from the depths of the ocean to the mountain range, representing the biodiversity and ecosystems of the region in each room.
During the day, a series of reflective questions were asked to identify the positive aspects and areas for improvement of the current exhibition, both from a museographic perspective and in terms of updating content.
Likewise, the importance of improving the inclusive access to the museumfrom its infrastructure such as the implementation of Augmentative and Alternative Communication Systems (SAAC), mobile applications that seek to provide autonomy, for example to people with visual disabilities.
On the day of reflection and conversation of the museum team promoted the interdisciplinary intervention and actions and activities were proposed in collaboration with the community, schools, universities and society in general, to enrich the new museographic script through dialogue and collaborative experience.
These initiatives include coastal cleanup days, environmental change observation routes, environmental education workshops, community scientific expeditions and ecological restoration programs, among other activities aimed at increasing awareness of environmental challenges and encouraging active community participation in its conservation.
Considering the success of the “Biodiversity in the Valparaíso Region” exhibition, it is proposed to increase the interactivity of future exhibitions, using technologies such as augmented reality, immersive or mobile applications. Temporary exhibits are also proposed to address current issues related to biodiversity and conservation, highlighting recent scientific research or pressing environmental issues affecting the region.
The Valparaíso Natural History Museum, under its current management, has taken on significant challenges in terms of environmental sustainability and community development, such as the environmental accreditation of “Green Office”the implementation of a unique environmental management policy in Chilean museums and the maturity of a Collections Policy that ensures the protection of heritage.
Projects like MuseumLab-Learning and the next Environmental Sustainability Laboratory They demonstrate a continued commitment to education and research in biodiversity and climate change.
In addition, progress is being made in integration projects renewable energy in the museum facilities, to have solar panels, which will not only help reduce the carbon footprint, but also as a museum exhibition resource on the use of clean energy.
An ongoing project leading up to the museum’s 150th anniversary is the “Green square between walls“, which seeks to create a climate-resilient botanical garden in the museum’s parking area, with species adapted to changing climatic conditions, to raise awareness about environmental conservation.
This process of reflection and collaboration between all areas of the museum lays the foundations for a new museography that positions the Museum of Natural History of Valparaíso as a key protagonist in the preservation of the natural and cultural heritage of the region and of Chile.
At the closing of the reflective day, Sergio Quiroz Jara, director of the Museum of Natural History of Valparaíso concluded: “On this International Museum Day, as director I want to express my gratitude to each and every one of those who make up the museum team. , given that this arduous task and the results obtained are a reflection of the deep commitment of a team, which values and gives meaning to the centuries-old heritage that is guarded. “Urge to continue forging the Valparaíso Natural History Museum to continue in its mission of disseminating scientific knowledge from the collections to the territory.”
