LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — The University of Kansas Natural History Museum is restoring a 360-degree wildlife panorama that was installed in 1903.
The panorama in the university’s Dyche Hall was damaged by temperatures, lights and humidity. Leonard Krishtalka, director of the KU Biodiversity Institute, says the building is now equipped with LED lights and temperatures controls that will help preserve the specimens.
The Lawrence Journal-World reports (http://bit.ly/19W9e6i ) that the first step in the restoration process was completed in December when researchers conducted a chemical analysis of the exhibit. In March, researchers will analyze the exhibit for degradation such as the splitting animal hides or loss of color in background paintings.
Krishtalka says that specimen-by-specimen analysis should be completed by mid-summer.