Can the magic of cinema help us understand and protect our planet's real creatures?
In short: The Natural History Museum in London has bridged the gap between fantasy and reality. By pairing the magical creatures of the wizarding world with extraordinary animals from our own planet, curators are using the lens of storytelling to inspire a new generation of conservationists to protect Earth's biodiversity.
The exhibition, titled Fantastic Beasts: The Wonder of Nature, represents a unique collaboration between the Natural History Museum, Warner Bros., The Blair Partnership, the BBC Natural History Unit, and the visual effects experts at Framestore. By blending props from the film franchise with actual biological specimens from the museum's vast collection of over 80 million objects, the creators sought to draw direct parallels between mythical beasts and the incredible animals that inhabit our world today.
Visitors are invited to follow in the footsteps of the fictional Magizoologist Newt Scamander. The experience begins in a magical museum setting, designed to explore the tangled history of myth and legend, before transitioning into a comparative study of real-world and wizarding creatures. This approach allows scientists and curators to highlight the genuine, often overlooked abilities of animals, using the allure of fantasy to engage the public with serious scientific inquiry.
Beyond the spectacle, the project serves a vital conservation purpose. By celebrating the work of real-life scientists who study and protect our planet's species, the exhibition encourages visitors to consider their role in safeguarding the future. The initiative also extends into the digital realm through a partnership with Google Arts & Culture, ensuring that these insights into the intersection of nature and storytelling remain accessible to a global audience.
This effort is part of a broader movement to use art and science to inspire environmental stewardship. As the museum faces the challenges of maintaining its mission, such immersive experiences serve as a reminder of the importance of connecting people to nature. Through this lens, the fantastical becomes a gateway to understanding the urgent need to protect the natural world from threats like climate change.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Fantastic Beasts™: The Wonder of Nature with exhibition creators and scientists | Live Talk
- Also: Fantastic Beasts™: The Wonder of Nature – Behind the Exhibition
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/ideas-fantastic-beasts-the-wonder-of-nature-with-exhibition-creato.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
