On display in the Michigan State University Museum’s main gallery through April 30, “The Observation Experiment” invites viewers to contemplate how observation can lead to understanding and ideally make the world better for all.

The exhibition highlights several perspectives on the theme of observation including the observation of humans in order to understand behaviors, events and how to do new things; the observation of flora and fauna so that we can understand the planet, its effect on us, and our impact on it; and the importance of observation in determining what is valuable to preserve in our world and working toward ensuring others can observe it in the future. Parts of the exhibition remain unfinished and ask visitors to observe within the museum as an experiment aimed at discovering new ways of co-creating exhibitions.

“Throughout the course of this ongoing pandemic, we have learned the importance of utilizing a collaborative and innovative approach to producing timely and relevant programs and exhibitions,” said Devon Akmon, MSU Museum director. “’The Observation Experiment’ is a manifestation of this approach that seeks to foster student success while demonstrating the important ways in which we observe and make sense of the world around us.”

Using artifacts and specimens from the MSU Museum’s collection as inspiration, sections of the exhibition were created by three doctoral students in the university’s Sharing Expertise and Exploring Knowledge Fellows Program. The SEEK Fellowship, sponsored by the Graduate School, helps doctoral students discover ways to communicate knowledge to broader audiences.

To read more about the students and exhibition, visit museum.msu.edu