How is nature sexualized? How do researchers determine the sex of a dinosaur? What does colonialism have to do with botany and gender in plants? Which knowledge – and whose knowledge – is (re)presented at the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin, and what remains hidden? The audio guide Queering Nature highlights a queer historical perspective on nature and science.
Stations
Sexuality: Octopuses and penguins
Exhibition "Evolution in action"
At the Biodiversity Wall, a small octopus is tucked away, filling a gap in the museum's display of diversity. This station explores the topic of sexuality, which has not yet been fully represented in its true diversity in our exhibitions.
Botany: Linnaeus
Exhibition "Evolution in action"
This exhibition hall focuses, among other things, on the discovery and naming of nature. The audio guide explains the background of these practices and their connection to colonial history and the sexualization of plants.
Mutation
Exhibition "Evolution in action"
Also in this hall, five jars containing preserved animal fetuses illustrate the concept of mutation. The accompanying text discusses trisomies, such as Down syndrome and Klinefelter syndrome. Here, the audio guide critically examines how intersex and disability are addressed in the natural history museum.
Sex determination
Special exhibition "DINOSAURS!"
How can researchers determine the sex of an extinct dinosaur? Using the example of Tyrannosaurus rex Tristan Otto, this station explores the "ambiguities of sex determination" in animals and the societal conditions that shape this understanding.
Wet collection
Here, you'll learn about Charlotte, the stingray, and her pregnancy through parthenogenesis.
The queerness of bears
Exhibition "Highlights of taxidermy"
The taxidermy of polar bear Knut is one of the exhibition's highlights. At this station, the audio guide discusses sexual and gender diversity among polar bears and other bear species, as well as their symbolic significance in Indigenous and queer communities.
Families: Hippopotamuses
Exhibition "Highlights of taxidermy"
The displayed hippopotamus family shows two parents and a calf. The issue? Hippos don't actually live like that. Hippos are solitary animals, even though they are often seen in groups. At this station, Queering Nature explores various forms of cohabitation.
The fluidity of gender: Parrotfish
Exhibition "Highlights of taxidermy"
For some parrotfish, it's normal to live in different genders over the course of their lives. The colorful coral reef illustrates a place where transitions are a normal part of daily life.
Epilogue
Credits
Authors: Krischan Macioszek, Lou Bela Houter
Consultants: Kes Otter Lieffe, Roos Hopman, Mathias Zilch
Producer: Tahani Nadim
Key Visual: Lawrence Houter