A night at the museum became a reality as hundreds of people walked through the front doors of the Canadian Museum of Nature, dressed in colourful animal prints to fit with the theme of the museum’s monthly party Nature Nocturne: “Blend in, stand out.”
The theme was chosen to highlight animal adaptation tactics.
Several bars were scattered throughout the galleries, which also hosted live shows, showcasing an iguana and a sloth.
“It’s one of the coolest nights out,” said Katherine Day, the event coordinator for Nature Nocturne.
“Honestly, I only went to see the sloth, but the whole event was amazing. It was my first time there, and I was blown away by how they literally turned the museum into a giant club,” Aleshia Conley, a second-year Carleton student, said. “I would go again for sure.”
Each of the events are themed accord- ing to popular exhibits in the museum and encourage a dress code. This theme was inspired by the museum’s exhibit “Survival of the Slowest.”
“I didn’t go to the event for the nature aspect, but I still walked away with learning experience,” said Michelle
Walker, a third-year Carleton student. “It was an ambience that cannot be matched by any other museum. It’s hard to go and not learn something new, even in a way that makes it feel like you are just there to have fun.”
The monthly Nature Nocturne events typically attract almost 2,000 people.
“It’s a chance to do something a little unexpected on a night out. The activities are all 19 plus, so we aren’t focused on pleasing children, but instead young adults,” said Day.
“One of the best things is it’s a fun event, and a chance for students to engage their curiosity,” said Day. “Everything here has a message, but it’s not shown typically with a stand or kiosk, but through an activity that is actually fun and engaging to do.”
The next Nature Nocturne will be held Feb. 22.
Photo by Haneen Al-Hassoun
