Dynamic exhibition of a modern museum: experience and development of ideas at the National Museum of Natural History, NAS of Ukraine

[Динамічна експозиція сучасного музею: досвід і розвиток ідей у Національному науково-природничому музеї НАН України]

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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