Carnegie Museum of Natural History is developing a new exhibition, Natural Wonder, focused on early learners (ages 0-5) and fostering their innate curiosity about the natural world. The museum aims to create a safe space where little scientists can investigate big questions through role play and storytelling.
Children might become freshwater mussels peeking out of their shells; pitcher plants catching flies; hellbender salamanders playing hide and seek among the rocks and logs of a stream. They will put themselves in the “shoes” of the plants and animals that live in their backyard (figurative or literal) here in Western Pennsylvania.
The exhibition’s flexible design will encourage young visitors to engage in self-directed play with their peers while putting scaffolding in place that allows them to grow with the space and pull their siblings and adults into creative play and investigations of the natural world.
Leading up to Natural Wonder, the museum will open a new play space called Growing Natural Wonder where early learners and their adults will be encouraged to play with prototypes, touch experimental artworks, and join pilot programs and events. Anyone who visits regularly will see how their input shapes these activities over time, allowing them to become co-creators with a deeper investment in and connection to the museum.
