Still Life The KMA Taxidermy Collection Exhibition
Still Life The KMA Taxidermy Collection
Permanent Exhibition | Floor Three
Still Life has been re-constructed as a feature in the KMA’s permanent gallery, riverpeoplenationstatepeople
Still Life presents the KMA’s considerable collection of taxidermy to explore ideas and values that inform the practice of preparing, stuffing and mounting the skins of animals. Viewing taxidermy as a quintessential feature in the traditional Museum, the show also explores the “taxonomic” activity of collecting, numbering, describing and photographing animals as artifacts within a museum catalogue.
Through artifacts, photographs, text and participatory features, the exhibition touches on the historical role of taxidermy in museum and scientific collections, highlights the effects of time on the condition and interpretation of collection artifacts, and showcases an evolution in practice.
Taxidermy on display is extremely fragile and contains chemicals that should not be disturbed. Please do not touch.
In 2200 BC, Egyptians preserved animals and buried them in pharaoh’s tombs by injecting them with oils, spices, and other materials. Indigenous peoples in North America, early Greeks, Romans and other groups tanned skins for clothing and decoration. The oldest known mount—a crocodile in Ponte Nesso, Italy—is reportedly 500 years old.
However, the modern tradition that unfolds in tandem with the research of naturalists is primarily rooted in 18th-century Europe and coincides with the development of taxonomy—a discipline for collecting, naming, and organizing—and is foundational to the development of the modern museum.
Learn More About the Science of Taxidermy
Taxonomy is tied to the origin of language and the necessity to differentiate and share information about the natural word, for example, which local plants could be eaten and which were poisonous. It emerged as a vital, collaborative mechanism for survival.
The KMA is currently undertaking the task of refurbishing the guests in our taxidermy collection, which is a long and messy process. Different mounts will be on display at different times as they are processed.
** Coming Soon **
-
Admission By Donation Suggested
$1 per child & $3 per adult.
Frequently Asked Questions -
Museum Hours
Tuesday - Saturday: 9:30am - 4:30pm
Sunday & Monday: Closed -
Archive Hours
Tuesday - Friday: 1:15pm - 4:00pm
Saturday: By Appointment
Sunday & Monday: Closed -
Please Note:
The admissions desk may ask that you check your bags and any food and beverages upon entry.
We encourage you talk in our galleries, have fun, and discuss the content and artifacts you see as you make your way around the building. Laugh, cry, and remember that we like hearing our galleries active!
Educational programs are available to school groups based on this exhibition. Please visit our School Programming page for more information and to book your class.
