Ep 34. The Treasury - Viennas Natural History Museum

The ORF Universum Documentaries season 1 episode 34, titled "The Treasury - Vienna's Natural History Museum," takes viewers on a journey through the grand halls of the museum, which houses over 30 million specimens of plants, minerals, and animals. The episode examines the vast collection and explores the many unique specimens on display.

The Natural History Museum in Vienna is one of the world's oldest and most renowned museums. Its reputation is based on its vast collection of natural specimens, including some of the world's largest and most striking. The episode takes viewers on a tour of this magnificent collection, offering a rare insight into the museum's history and the fascinating specimens on display.

Viewers are transported through the halls of the museum, allowing them to marvel at the hundreds of insect species on display, to the towering skeletons of dinosaurs and prehistoric mammals. Among the most famous specimens in the collection is the 29,500-year-old Venus of Willendorf, a tiny figurine that has come to symbolize the earliest known human civilization.

The episode explores the museum's work with international organizations dedicated to the study of animals and nature, with researchers from around the world visiting to learn from the vast collection. The museum provides support to researchers by providing access to its collection, which is an essential resource for studying and understanding the natural world.

Throughout the episode, viewers are introduced to the museum's highly skilled staff, who work tirelessly to maintain and enhance the collection. The team of experts includes curators, researchers, and scientists, all of whom have dedicated their lives to the study of nature.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the Natural History Museum is the use of cutting-edge technology to study and display specimens. Advanced techniques such as CT scans are used to create detailed 3D models of objects, which can then be displayed in a virtual format. The episode explores some of the museum's most innovative projects, including the digitization of the entire collection - a colossal undertaking that requires hundreds of individuals working around the clock.

Overall, the episode is an education-rich and visually stunning exploration of Vienna's Natural History Museum. It showcases the museum's vast and significant collection of specimens and demonstrates the commitment of its staff to the continued study and advancement of natural sciences. It is an excellent insight into the fascinating world of natural history and a great watch for anyone who is interested in science, nature, or the history of museums themselves.