The most expressive face I have ever seen in a reconstruction.
THE MUSEUM
Ötzi is the first attaction this morning. They have teased out the most museum possible for a single item by documenting every item in detail. It is very family friendly. The instructions are lighthearted with notes such as: "You can bring a small dog provided you carry it, but larger dogs will be happy in the kennel while you tour the museum.". The basement is entirely devoted to a playroom and rest area and promoted as such throughout the museum.
THE FREEZER
After waiting 15 minutes in a friendly queue, the wet mummy is visible through a small window into a freezer at 100% humidity and -8 degrees. But it is relatively dark and the sight makes little sense to the untrained eye. The emergency installations were fascinating with double backup generators, backup freezers, special protocols to take the mummy to the hospital where mummy friendly facilities await.
THE ARTIFACTS
The next floor is devoted entirely to an in depth analysis of every loose scrap he was carrying. The scientific intensity brought to bear on this one find is hard to imagine but very well presented.
THE VIEWING TABLEMy favourite presentation is a full size mummy on a large electronic multi-touch table where you can view parts of the mummy, zoom in, change views from bone x-ray to muscle, to skin; all in three select-able languages and multiple users. You can compare your "findings" to those of a neighbour as you speak; very nice. Image source.
PALEONTOLOGY IN GENERAL
The top floor introduces children to paleontology through many well thought out experiments designed to awaken interest in the science by having you solve a simple enigma. It was captivating for my inner child.
