Feb. 1, 2015
We talked with the Museum's Curator, George Angehr (seen at right)
2 months ago, I informed you that the Frank Gehry-designed BioMuseo had finally opened.
I talk some about the architecture of the museum in that post.
Last week we visited the BioMuseo.
Just before we went in, we were lucky enough to meet the curator of the museum, George Angehr.
When I asked the curator about the museum, he said:
It is the best museum in the world.
The BioMuseo is more than the usual museum since it isn't just a building that displays artifacts. But the museum is designed to reflect and incorporate aspects of the natural environment that the artifacts' display."
I thought it was hyperbole at the time. Then I went in.
Photos. You can get a peek at our visit with the photos below. Click on any photo to start slideshow.
An English-speaking staff greeted us.
This is the 1st exhibit
A fabulous 360 degree immersion into Panama's natural nnvironment
View looking toward entrance and bridge
A Tactile Museum
It really is an excellent museum. Very well done.
You could touch and interact with many of the displays about the rock, fauna, and flora of Panama.
I enjoyed the integral role that Panama's land mass played in worldwide climate and other changes such as the creation of the gulf stream.
Because, at one time, Panama did not connect to South America as it does now.
My younger daughter who normally groans her way through museums loved it.
Great Audio Presentations
The audio handsets were especially well done. They come in 5 different languages.
I don't usually like audio narration handsets. But these were very interesting, especially when paired with some of the video displays.
Panorama Room
The highlight was the sound and visual display room. It very effectively immerses you in the sounds and sights of Panama.
Landscapes and sounds of animals, rain, wind, and more surround you – overhead, under your feet, and 180 degrees in front of you.
It is very well done. My photo does nothing to convey what it was like.
All but 3 of the 8 of galleries are complete.
We went on a day with good weather, as my photos attest.
Rain Forest Can Feel A Little Too Real
I have friends who recently visited the museum when it was raining. They say it leaks – badly.
When they visited there was a crew of 10 people mopping up all the water.
Our friends were not as enthusiastic about their visit.
They told us that the staff tried to say it was part of the museum's desire to reflect the environment into the architecture. Our friends didn't buy that explanation.
Regardless, it is a good museum, especially when it isn't raining.
I just hope they generate enough money to both finish and maintain it.
