What makes an object wonderful? Is it an objective quality that can be measured and studied? Or is it an instinctive reaction, welling up within the observer, prompting us to ask: where did this come from? What does it mean? Is it real?
Noted natural philosopher Rolf Sapoli has generously lent prized pieces from his world-renowned collection to the U-M Museum of Natural History for a short-term imposition. Objects rarely seen in a museum will be on display, including a native Michigan koala, Henry Ford’s pet dodo, and a miniature manatee. The items will be integrated with the permanent collections and interspersed throughout the galleries, creating a trail of wonderful objects. How many will you find? The exhibit opens March 26 and runs through April 10, though Mr. Sapoli tells us the best viewing will be on Friday, April 1, at 4:01 pm.