Forest diorama

The forest diorama depicts a wooded area typical of Slovak conditions. It presents a habitat in three dimensions, giving animal specimens a setting beyond their individual place in a collection. The natural-history display also includes systematically arranged plants, fungi and rocks. Together they represent the elements that make up a forest ecosystem.

Animals on display include the bear, wolf and lynx. The taxidermy specimens allow their forms to be compared without waiting for a chance encounter outdoors. Yet the display extends beyond large predators. Placing animals alongside plants, fungi and geological material shows that a forest comprises far more than trees alone.

Sliding panels present forest stand types, plants and tree leaves. Here a spatial view of woodland sits alongside an organised presentation of separate groups of specimens. There are also models of fungi and herbarium material. These are two approaches to the same natural world: a view of the landscape and a comparison of identifying features.