THE UNIVERSITY of the Philippines-Los Baños launched its virtual museum during the 44th anniversary of the Museum of Natural History on September 28, 2020.

“Our museum, for the purpose of education and enjoyment, should remain open. For MNH, this could inevitably mean embracing the digital world through virtual tours and exhibitions for the meantime,” Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension Dr. Rex Demafelis said in his inspirational message.

The MNH introduced several artworks including the photographs of Makiling Ark by Joel Sartore which features the diverse fauna of Mt. Makiling, The Audubon Exhibit of John James Audubon which showcases the replica of hand-painted birds, The Dr. Harold Conklin’s Book Exhibit which displays some of the books of the American anthropologist and ethnobotanist, and The Smilodon Exhibit which boasts of a skull of the extinct saber-toothed tiger.

The museum also launched an online catalog of images of Zoological and Wildlife Specimens Image Bank, and its four new exhibits by MNH Director Dr. Juan Carlos Gonzalez and university researcher Dr. Marian de Leon.

Camila Meneses of MNH said that the virtual museum is designed to improve the depth and availability of information not only of the museum’s collections, but its of history.

Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri, a UPLB alumnus,  graced the event.

“I especially commend the team for finding ways to teach and reach out to the public even in the middle of this pandemic,” Zubiri said.

Curator Florante Cruz encouraged the viewers to download the artsteps mobile app and use a VR cardboard viewer to elevate the virtual exhibit experience.