PEM in an Hour
12. Backyard Birds
This is The Pod in the Dotty Brown Art and Nature Center. This part of the museum helps us grow our awareness of nature, try on new ways of being, and tap into our creativity. Designed for visitors of all ages, this family-friendly center features installations, changing exhibitions, hands-on displays and art-making spaces. Regular drop in art making opportunities take place in the art and nature center too. This part of the museum reflects our history of collecting natural specimens around Essex County, where we are, and from around the world. For now, we will focus on the monumental case of birds before you. Backyard Birds & Beyond includes a display of 86 local and migratory birds, from the museum’s historic natural history collection, plus select bird carvings and other artwork. There is no more talented designer than mother nature herself. My favorite has got to be the perch of young owls known as owlets. Their wide eyes and curious looks really remind me of the many school children we welcome in this space. Celebrating the many facets of creativity — from art to science — reflects our belief here at PEM in the the potential of the imagination and the multidisciplinary.
Now leave this space the way you came in. And take the stairs up to Level 2. We’ll meet at the top.