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Natural History

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Whale Skeleton Dismantling

NMI staff cleaning the skull of a humpback whale
The National Museum of Ireland is in the process of preparing the Natural History Museum for major roof works by the Office of Public Works (OPW). Starting in 2020 the most significant objects to be tackled are the skeletons of two whales, that are suspended from structures in the attic space. Follow the project on Facebook or Twitter with #DeadZooDiary

The first step was to close the upper floors and then move large exhibits including the walrus, rhinos and hippo skeleton with the help of William Tracey & Sons. The BMS carpentry team from the OPW boxed in the very largest exhibits and display cases for protection. A timber platform over the hippopotamus was built to take the weight of people working on the humpback whale skeleton. In August 2020 that skeleton was cleaned and then dismantled by a team from Inside Out Animals in the Netherlands.

The bones of the humpback whale skeleton were wrapped and shipped to the National Museum of Ireland Collections Resource Centre by a team from Maurice Ward Art Handling.
Building a walrus crate
Tipping up a walrus so it can fit between exhibits
Rhino on wheels moving away from the whale dismantling work area

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Natural History

Natural History,
Merrion Street,
Dublin 2,
D02 F627

+353 1 677 7444

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