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Glass Sponges - Museum Exhibit


Student - Sally Kemp

Supervisor - Gillian Sales


Exploring the world of glass sea sponges: ‘A hands-on interactive display stand at the Museum of Life Sciences, King’s College London. The museum engages a diverse audience within KCL and the local community including school children and artist groups. It aims to encourage visitor participation and convey archival information with biomedical relevance from its heritage collection of zoological specimens. The glass sea sponge collection is currently displayed high above eye level in a closed glass cabinet, this project aims to create an accessible interactive exhibit on a low-level shelf featuring 3D-printed replica models, allowing visitors to experience a tactile connection with these fragile specimens. To create the models, selected glass sponge specimens were CT scanned at Guy’s Hospital and then 3D modelled and printed, Informative postcards, a welcome board, and an engaging “true or false” game card was incorporated to communicate archival information and further visitor engagement. These elements were designed to convey the message that everyone is welcome to get involved. Impact evaluation methods include qualitative feedback and quantitative ‘clicker’ data. This interactive project was designed to inspire curiosity in visitors about the medical importance and evolutionary history of glass sponges, one of Earth’s most ancient multicellular organisms, out of the glass cabinet and into visitor’s hands while promoting greater appreciation for marine biodiversity.

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