Details hidden in the museum dioramas

Why go

Museum painter Kent Pendleton reportedly hid tiny elves in the diorama scenes in place of signing his work. This turns a quick pass through the wildlife displays into a closer look at the craft behind them. Follow the painted backgrounds as carefully as the animal specimens and notice how small details draw the eye into each scene.

Useful to know

• Pause at the wildlife dioramas and look into the painted backgrounds, not just at the animal specimens.
• Ask museum staff whether Pendleton’s dioramas are currently on view before making a dedicated search.