The Museum of Life in Lund, Sweden

Who would have thought that numerous journeys of captivating, anatomical discovery could find a home in a century-old, narrow brick corridor? But just such a place can now be found near the center of town in Lund, Sweden.

Preserving and Presenting From a Medical Perspective

The new museum is truly a dream come true, rooted in a deep appreciation for the human life form.

The dream took shape in the early years of this millennium when city authorities decided that the medical museum in southern Lund would have to be closed- the building that housed it was needed for other purposes.

Yet, the museum was so important! It contained an unusually rich collection of documents and artifacts from Swedish medical history. Thus, when the decision was announced to close it, a couple of local medical professors decided something had to be done.

Together with the head curator from the town's cultural museum ("Kulturen"), the doctors formed a plan to transform an unused corridor of Lund's main hospital complex to a dynamic learning center.

This new medical museum would be like no other- full of virtual experiences and visually exciting for young and old. They envisioned a place of imagination and wonder to awaken curiosity about the infinitely intricate and highly adaptable human anatomy.

From Dream to Virtual Realities

In April of 2012, this vision became reality. The first section of the museum was opened to the public.

As it is located just inside the western entrance to the hospital grounds - with bicycle parking nearby - museum visitors may sense both the nearby healing environments and the return to healthy living they can provide.

The Museum of Life's clinical-looking, metal and glass door is clearly marked. Otherwise you might be uncertain-nothing else gives a hint of what's behind it. If you've come to Lasarettsgatan 7 on a Tuesday-Friday between 10 AM and 2 PM, just go right in. There is no admission fee.

Stepping into the corridor, you may be met by a welcoming smile and offer to describe how the exhibits are set up. Your helpful guide is a retired nurse- one of several who volunteer as guides to keep costs down.

Their professional experience and knowledge add a further dimension to this highly enjoyable learning experience.

As you start your journey, you'll also see a large wall poster with a clear overview of the various exhibits. Currently, these include the circulatory, nervous, skeletal and muscular systems. More themes will be added as time goes on.

A Hallway of Wonder Awaits

Moving forward, your first experience may be getting to know that most amazing muscle in your chest. Using one of the exhibit's iPads, you bring a lifelike heart up on the opposite wall. The image springs to life, rhythmically beating and pumping. Is this what's actually going on inside your own chest at this very moment?

A bit stunned, you enjoy several other audio-visual effects that come alive- absorbing your total attention, feeding your curiosity.

And this is just the beginning!

Once your curiosity is satisfied about this part of our anatomy, a new set of discoveries awaits just a few steps away.

Each exhibit beckons in its own way, and the great mystery of how we are designed unfolds bit by bit.

Some presentations also consider the help available when things go wrong, like when a crippling accident occurs. Medical advances to alleviate physical injury are often quite fascinating - especially in the field of orthopedics and loss of limb.

More Than Just Flesh and Blood

We are all - amazingly - more than flesh, blood and bone, and the deeper realms of our human architecture are also brought to light in this unique hallway. Poetry, music, dance skillfully intertwine with creative images to remind us of our complete human nature.

For, what would we be without the coupling of the physical to the spiritual?

At the muscular-skeletal exhibit, the spirit of the ancient Egyptian god, Nehebkau, is brought to life by dancer Pontus Sundset performing Virpi Pahkinen's choreography.

The dance excerpt from: "Nehebkau - he who harnesses the souls" is absolutely captivating. Each moment is filled with exquisitely timed and executed movements in a darkened setting reminiscent of an ancient Pharoahic chamber. A spotlight reveals the almost unearthly magic created by the dancer.

This short film is just one of many marvelous reminders in this awe-inspiring corridor, of our vast human capabilities. Our anatomy is nothing less than godlike, especially when we are inspired in our accomplishments.

Nehebkau symbolized this for the ancient Egyptians.

Gratefully, Lund's Museum of Life brings it home to us once again in modern times.

June, 2012

Lund, Sweden

About the Author: Janet Boynton Runeson is a freelance web copywriter and director of Entrepreneurial Copy. With several advanced degrees in the Humanities, Fine Arts and Economics, she has extensive experience in international marketing and specializes in cultural awareness.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Janet_Runeson/1267986