In the context of Lion Attacking a Dromedary, explore the Recontextualization and removal of the Exhibition in Pittsburgh.
In July 2020, the Carnegie Museum of Natural History removed Lion Attacking a Dromedary from view citing the Black Lives Matter movement and the lack of accuracy. Patrons were given a choice to view the diorama behind a curtain starting in September 2020 and the museum considered moving the diorama to a part of the museum where it could be avoided. That remained the status quo until July 2021 when Lion Attacking a Dromedary was returned to public view with additional context. The decision to do so was made because, according to the museum's director "I think the curtains were more harmful than not having them up at all". In October 2023 the museum adopted a new policy regarding the display of human remains. Because the diorama has a human skull in it the museum was removed the exhibit from public display. There are efforts being made to determine the origin of the skull and repatriate the remains.
Carnegie Museum of Natural History diorama Dromedary Black Lives Matter