February 27, March 13, and March 20 at NHM Commons in Exposition Park
Author: Newsroom
Los Angeles, CA (February 13, 2025) — The Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County (NHMLAC) is proud to announce its new live discussion series, Elephant in the Room.
The bold new discussion series will kick off with three nights this spring, featuring panels of experts tackling the thought-provoking topics of “Dioramas: Art or Science?” on February 27, “Taxidermy: Challenges of a Lost Art” on March 13, and “The Many Faces of Conservation” on March 20.
Elephant in the Room will be among the first evening programs to take place in the new Commons Theater, the brand new venue space that is also home to NHM’s latest daytime programming, including the performing arts offering Ocean Encounters and the film T. REX 3D. This dynamic new multipurpose theater recently opened in the Museum’s new wing, NHM Commons, and will host films, discussions, musical performances, community events, and more.
The series is also part of the celebration for NHM’s iconic 100-year-old diorama halls, which guests will be able to explore after museum hours during each Elephant in the Room event. In conjunction with the centennial, this year’s theme pulls back the curtain on the artistry, science, and controversies surrounding the museum’s beloved installations, providing a platform for dialogue and discovery.
The inaugural series also complements NHM’s Reframing Dioramas: The Art of Preserving Wilderness exhibition, offering a fresh perspective on these iconic and historic displays. Through these events, visitors will be able to take an informed and critical look at the evolving role of dioramas in addressing important issues in biodiversity, ecology, and conservation — and their lasting impact on those fields — as well as how dioramas combine immersive art and scientific accuracy to educate and inspire while focusing on the ethical issues surrounding dioramas. Elephant in the Room will provide attendees with behind-the-scenes insights from the artists and scientists who brought these dioramas to life over the decades.
Tickets and more information are available on the Elephant in the Room page of NHM.org.