Special exhibition
The MMBM shows temporary exhibitions in the front section. These exhibitions fit in with the overall concept by bringing especially important works out of the treasures of the museum's collection into focus.
BEASTLY CREATURES
Four centuries, six authors and many a wondrous being.
Since time immemorial, monstrous beasts and wondrous creatures have reportedly populated our planet. And they are still with us today. They meet us in gripping fantasy stories, present us with riddles, and prompt us to reflect on the perceptions of our ancestors. They can terrify and fascinate; they endure, and continue to be reinvented.
The core concept of this exhibition is to show the diversity of viewpoints. Six authors look at the same world, each through a different lens.
A 15th-century encyclopaedia allows you to pick from 20 illustrations to get an overview of what beastly animals were populating our planet since antiquity.
The 16th century sees a naturalist laying the foundation to modern zoology and a surgeon using his skillset to send ripples through the medical world.
A moralist revelling in fearful myths covers the 17th century.
And finally in the 18th century, a Swiss explores dragons and caves and a pastor is chasing shadows.
Their insightful books and vivid illustrations do more than just display phantastical beings - they document the unique, personal ways in which humans try to comprehend the natural world.
Children go on a treasure hunt with a piece of paper, solve a riddle or are allowed to get creative.
