Dazzling + Dangerous

Topic: Life Sciences Subtopic: Ecology


Case Study of an Exhibition
by Beth Redmond-Jones: Published on April 12, 2007, Modified on April 18, 2007

Museum: Aquarium of the Pacific Focus: Aquarium
Collaborating Organization(s): Aquarium of the Pacific, Annenberg Foundation, Honda, Ironwood
People who worked on this: staff of the Aquarium of the Pacific, Ironwood
My role: Project Director

Description and goals

Dazzling + Dangerous was the first immersive thematic exhibition mounted by the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California. This exhibition explored venomous aquatic and terrestrial animals, how animals uses venom for survival, how it is delivery, the difference between venom and poison, and how venom is being used as the basis for medicines to treat pain, cancer and diabetes.

The 2,000 square foot temporary gallery was transformed into Venomous Creatures of Southern California. Here, visitors learned about venomous animals that can be found within a day’s drive of Long Beach, including cow killer ants, rattlesnakes, round rays, jellies, anemones, Gila monsters, scorpions, and tarantulas.

Throughout the rest of the Aquarium, venomous exhibits were installed that were relevant to a specific region such as the Tropical Pacific.
Development process and challenges

This exhibition was developed with a cross-departmental team including exhibits, education, husbandry, life-support, facilities, volunteers, and marketing. The goals and messages for the exhibition were determined, then animals to be displayed were selected based on their meeting our content criteria, the Aquarium’s ability to care for the animal, and their availability. Our process consisted of weekly team meetings to discuss content, design, animal issue, and life-support/facility issues.

The biggest challenge of this process was coordinating multiple departments while delivering an exhibition on-time and on-budget.

Exhibition Opened: May 2006
Traveling Exhibition: No
Estimated Cost: $100,000 to $500,000 (US)
Size: 3,000 to 5,000

Toxic Treasures was a new aquatic exhibit element that showcased tunicates, gorgonians, and soft sponges that are being researched for medicinal use.

Visitors could get up close and touch venomous round rays (the stinger in their tail had been clipped) that visit Seal Beach by the thousands each year. This new touch element was created especially for the exhibition.

Visitors could observe two different kinds of rattlesnakes that are found in Southern California. Interpretive panels presented information about each species in addition to how a rattlesnake delivers its venom. Visitors could hear what the southern Pacific rattlesnake sounds like when they lifted the door on the log pile.

Large interpretive graphics described the various delivery methods for venom.

Large interpretive graphics described the difference between venom and poison.

Theming of the exhibition was to resemble an old run down shack that can be found in the desert or near the beach in Southern California. Here, tarantulas (in the washtub and wagon) and a black widow spider (in the bucket) were integrated into the thematic elements.

Inserted into the base of this new, permanent tree are three exhibits which focus on poison arrow dart frogs and marine toads.

Dazzling + Dangerous

Topic: Life Sciences Subtopic: Ecology

of an Exhibition

Museum: Aquarium of the Pacific Focus: Aquarium

Collaborating Organization(s): Aquarium of the Pacific, Annenberg Foundation, Honda, Ironwood

People who worked on this: staff of the Aquarium of the Pacific, Ironwood

My role: Project Director

Description and goals

Development process and challenges

Exhibition Opened: May 2006

Traveling Exhibition: No

Estimated Cost: $100,000 to $500,000 (US)

Size: 3,000 to 5,000

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