Dynamic
exhibition of a modern museum: experience and development of ideas at the
National Museum of Natural History, NAS of Ukraine
Yuliia Komar
National Museum of Natural History, NAS of Ukraine
(Kyiv, Ukraine)
Cite as
Komar, Y. 2025. Dynamic exhibition of a modern museum: experience and
development of ideas at the National Museum of Natural History, NAS of Ukraine.
GEO&BIO, 27: 61-82. [Ukrainian, with English summary]
doi:
https://doi.org/10.53452/gb2705
pdf: gb2705_61-82-kom-fin.pdf
Abstract
The article analyses the exhibition activities of the National Museum of
Natural History of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine from 2014 to
2025, especially the temporary exhibitions held in a dedicated exhibition hall
opened in 2015. This new space became a platform for testing an updated museum
strategy focused on contemporary approaches to presenting natural history
collections. Moving beyond traditional displays of specimens, the museum
gradually adopted a curatorial model in which exhibitions became autonomous
statements combining scientific knowledge with elements of visual narrative,
artistic interpretation, and cultural context. The themes of the exhibitions
covered a broad range of natural science topics—from biodiversity to the
history of scientific ideas—and involved professionals from related
disciplines, including artists, illustrators, landscape designers, and science
historians. A notable trend was the growing attention to sensory experiences
and the use of interactive formats that enhanced the emotional engagement of
visitors. Exhibition programmes included master classes, interactive workshops,
popular science lectures, and costumed readings and performances, which proved
to be effective tools for engaging audiences of different ages and backgrounds.
The participation of scientists in curatorial teams ensured the academic
accuracy of the content while allowing for its adaptation to different levels
of audience understanding. A comparative analysis of the implemented
exhibitions shows a clear increase in their conceptual complexity, thematic
depth, and diversity of presentation formats, along with the expansion of
inter-institutional partnerships and a consistent commitment to innovation.
Informal marketing observations, visitor surveys, and feedback confirm the
effectiveness of this strategy. Over the past decade, the museum's exhibition
activity has transformed into a dynamic tool for the actualisation of natural
science knowledge, the promotion of interdisciplinary dialogue, and the
strengthening of the cultural visibility of academic science in the public
sphere.
Key words
exhibition activities, temporary exhibitions, museum experience, dynamic
exhibition
Correspondence to
Yuliia Komar; National Museum of Natural History, NAS of Ukraine, 15
Bohdan Khmelnytsky Street, Kyiv, 01030 Ukraine; Email: jkomar2007@gmail.com
Article info
Submitted: 08.05.2025. Accepted: 30.06.2025
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