The evolving museum

This paper examines a recent exhibition on evolution at the Australian Museum, in Sydney, and contrasts it with the museum's earlier exhibitions on the same theme, looking at the images of science each presents. The differences between the most recent display and its predecessors can be broadly grouped under three themes: the use of narrative and chronology to organize the display; the use of realistic dioramas and reconstructions; and the use of glass cases to keep the visitors and the science apart. Partly through deliberate decisions and partly through other pressures¿including space, time and financial considerations¿the newest exhibition has resolved some of the problems exemplified by the earlier ones. Nevertheless, other difficulties remain and the conclusion sketches some possible directions which museum designers might explore in the future.