Sixteen new displays will open at an Oxford museum this summer as part of a major overhaul at the site.
The additions are part of the latest phase of the Oxford University Museum of Natural History's overhaul of its centre court.
'Life, as we know it' is set to offer visitors an aesthetic take on some of the most important ideas about how the natural world works, showcasing hundreds of specimens, taxidermy and models, and glass sculptures.
The latest displays will complete three new thematic zones within the central court - biodiversity, evolution and ecosystems.
A series of stylised dioramas, a model of a scene, present ecosystems from six different environments.
Each one highlights a vital process of interaction between organisms and their habitats.
The exhibits will contain new ethically acquired taxidermy, which includes a mother and infant hamadryas baboon, a sleeping koala, and a raccoon.
Since the museum's inception in 1860, it has combined art and science in its nature-oriented displays.
This philosophy is honoured with the introduction of four delicate glass artworks, three of which have been prepared by UK artist Luke Jerram, and the fourth commissioned from glass artist Pratibha Mistry.
Three of these sculptures feature in a display on the influence of viruses on the development of life, including their role in the evolution of the mammalian placenta.
These exhibits are complemented by digital interpretations supplementing the natural history specimens, allowing visitors to delve deeper into the ideas being explored.
In one display, animated 3D models are shown alongside skeletal material to reveal similarities between the forelimb bones of a wide range of mammals, reptiles, and birds, all of which share an evolutionary origin.
Museum director professor Paul Smith said: "Since the Life, as we know it project began, the museum’s visitor numbers are running at 10 per cent above the highest levels recorded in its 160-year history.
"With further promotion through a city centre bus route campaign we hope even more new visitors will become excited about the natural world through these beautiful new displays."
Phase three of 'Life, as we know it' has been supported by funding from FCC Communities Foundation and the DCMS/Wolfson Museums and Galleries Improvement Fund.
Funding is currently being sought for the fourth and final phase of the renewal of the main court displays.
The Museum of Natural History is open daily from 10am–5pm and admission is free.
It holds the university’s collections of entomological, geological and zoological specimens having been founded as the centre for scientific study at the university.
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