Photo Blog 1: Wonders of Wildlife, Bass Pro Shops (Part 1 the Museum)
The Bass Pro Shops owned Wonders of Wildlife Museum is one of the most unique and best built museums I have ever visited. I have travelled extensively around the USA and to a few other countries. No other museum I have been to has the uniqueness of this museum. Located in Springfield, Missouri, USA. The museum was a personal project of Johnny Morris the owner and founder of the Bass Pro Shops chain of stores. Below is just a small portion of this amazing place.
The attention to detail is amazing. Many of the pathways and stairwells are built up to look like you are traveling through the landscapes or caves where these animals may be found.
As you travel through the museum you will encounter animals above and below you. Keep your eyes open.
The animals are shown in their natural habitats.
The artwork on the walls is a thing of beauty. The artists chosen to paint the walls and ceilings are very talented.
Transition from the nature scenes to a more formal museum area.
In the more formal museum area there are displays that resemble life sized dioramas showing animals in their environment.
Almost missed this little cave off to one side of the hallway. I am sure many have skipped it as it was tucked away.
The reflection in the glass breaks the immersion on this one.
My favorite of the formal displays. Snow leopard about to pounce.
Entering one of the impressively, large room displays. One has to walk under these to sheep to enter Sheep Mountain.
The next few images are from the Sheep Mountain display. Mountains rise all around you and display sheep from around the world.
Narwhal.
These were the only live animals in the museum. There is a large tube that leads to the restaurant downstairs. In the mornings the Penguins like to swim down to the bottom of the tube and watch the people eating.
The art on the wall is a masterpiece.
The museum also contains artifacts, native art and materials, and historical paintings.
This "ice" tunnel leaving the arctic was a nice touch. Watch out for the polar bears.
Coolest room in the museum. Muskox and wolves under a starry sky complete with a moving aurora. The sounds and feeling of this room were so well done.
The museum begins wrapping up with a massive room full the African wildlife. I could have taken 50 photos in this room alone. The path winds between the animals and scenery.
These huts with monkeys on top were a humorous touch.
Even the scenery is actually an exhibit.
The last rooms take you through the Big Cats and then Rhinos. Children were terrified.
Lighting was very dark. No flash photography allowed.
There is a motion sensor in this one. It will growl at you. Fair warning if you have small children.
This museum is truly a special place. Please consider visiting. The website is https://wondersofwildlife.org/ The other half of this place is the aquarium that was voted best aquarium in the USA. I will be posting a photo blog of the aquarium in a in a week or two. Please consider subscribing to my channel. It really helps me out.