Cole Museum closed for move
Thursday, 09 January 2020
The Cole Museum is now closed to all visitors, both internal and external. This is in anticipation of moving to the new Health and Life Sciences building to enable staff to pack specimens for the move. The AMS tower front entrance, therefore, will be permanently locked with and access to the laboratories can only be gained via Microbiology through the front entrance of the Knight Building.
Moving a collection is not simply a case of packing items in boxes and moving. Prior to packing, specimens receive the exacting care that they need: fluid-preserved specimens may require topping up or fluid changes, broken lids need to be removed and new ones cut, jars may need cleaning and some specimens even require reattachment. Taxidermy specimens need a period in the freezer to kill any unwanted visitors. Skulls and skeletons on display will not have been cleaned or repaired for at least fifteen years and need a little extra care and attention. Fortunately, we have amazingly engaged undergraduate students and some are working with us voluntarily during the summer to help us with the packing.
Stay posted with Twitter (@ColeZoology, @ColeMM2019) for progress updates and sneak peeks at specimens to be displayed.