Museum History: The Curiosity Cabinet

Today, we are not only going to delve into the humble origins of today's most popular museums, but also into the murky histories of the museum itself.
Today, one might find a curiosity cabinet in a dear friend's house, filled with anything from feathers and animal teeth to Pokemon cards and sparkly dice. But centuries ago, these luxury cabinets were reserved for the most intellectual (and rich) echelons of society.

Music
[Epidemic Sound] Waltz for Celia - Leimoti
[Epidemic Sound] Summer Waltz - Traditional

Images Used (In order of appearance):
Domenico Remps - Cabinet of Curiosities (Used in Thumbnail)
Domenico Remps, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Samuel Quiccheberg
Hans Muelich, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Inscriptiones Vel Titvli Theatri Amplissimi

Tradescants Ark/Musaeum Tradescantianum, South Lambeth, Surrey.
Thomas Allen: The History and Antiquities of the Parish of Lambeth, and the Archiepiscopal Palace, in the County of Surrey, J. Allen, London 1827, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

John Tradescant the Elder.
Attributed to Emanuel de Critz, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Ashmolean Entrance March 2015

Museum Wormiani Historia 1655

Francesco Calzolari - Cabinet of Curiosities
Неизвестный художник, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Francis II, Holy Roman Emperor by Friedrich von Amerling
Friedrich von Amerling, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Sir Hans Sloane.
John Faber Junior, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

British Museum from NE.

Check out Mortals Podcast (a podcast for the morbidly curious).

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[professorpeachez]

"Captain cabinets, trapped in cabinets..."

[LisaJedi]

You've made me realise that my whole house is a curiosity cabinet! It's a comforting thought. And seriously, why would anyone hide beautiful buttons in a box when they could put them in a pretty glass jar and set them on the windowsill? Thanks for the video!!

[edamamebiru]

I can listen hours and hours .. I love your explanation about the "Cabinet de curiosites".

[PatKellyTeaches]

This was an awesome primer on the subject. I'm working on a video about pathology museums, and this gave me a great basis. Thank you!

[sharonoddlyenough]

When I was little, I really wanted a curiosity cabinet to keep my Kinder Surprise trinkets and other small toys in.

[karyldavidkidd]

When the algorithm nails it, I feel as though I've won the lottery.
Brilliant.
Solid video

[msandigail]

If you ever get a chance to visit the Bavarian National Museum once all *this* is over, they have several VERY neat curiosity cabinets! One is all ivory and lapis lazuli, made to house Maximilion 1's coin collection. And one in another part of the museum is full of tiny minatures of objects from day to day life, but it's from the 1700s IIRC, so there are exceptionally detailed wigs and set of stays and gloves with intricate lace gauntlets and a spinning wheel!

[harriet]

Reading about the way collectors hunted some of our New Zealand birds extinct for showing off make me feel yucky but personally I have an ethical curiosity cabinet (or 3) in progress. Enjoyed the different types you gave of cabinet displays.

[a-]

Fascinating subject. I learnt a lot from this;thank you so much for sharing your knowledge.
This brought to my mind hunting collections, particularly taxidermy items - not so much in vogue today, but hugely popular once. I'm in Australia. When I look at old photos of C19th and early C20th interiors of wealthy Australian homes, I am always shocked to see the ubiquitous display of lyrebird tail-feathers decorating the walls. Each cluster of feathers would represent at least 10 dead male birds, since each bird produced just 2 of the prized feathers. Possum skin rugs on the floor were also fashionable. Thankfully both these species are now protected by law, and if you had these items in your home today, you would have some explaining to do. I suspect few if any original examples of these items have survived.

[winniethepoodle]

so much information. Thanks for the incredible details. Im working on my own CoC and came here for inspo.

[mountopia]

No museum, no cabinet, just talking.

[AlecFlackie]

I am very interested by your videos, however you always seem rather miserable, uninspired and generally cynical about every subject you choose. Life is wonderful and working in a museum must be amazing, try and be a more passionate about what you do.