A Spectrum of Specimens – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Unsplash)
The Canadian Museum of Nature has assembled a Progress Pride flag using specimens drawn directly from its own collections. Fossils, flowers, minerals, insects and birds supply the colours and forms that define the design. The project links the institution’s galleries with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community by highlighting the variety already present in the natural world.
Specimens Supply the Palette
Staff selected items whose natural hues correspond to the flag’s stripes and chevrons. Minerals provided metallic sheens and earth tones. Flowers contributed bright seasonal pigments. Insects and birds added iridescence and precise patterns that printed materials cannot replicate.
Each element remains part of the museum’s documented holdings. Curators chose pieces that could be displayed safely and returned to storage without damage. The result is a physical object rather than a digital rendering, allowing visitors to see the actual textures and colours side by side.
Collections Meet Community Goals
The flag serves both exhibition and outreach purposes. It appears in gallery spaces where the same categories of specimens are normally shown. At the same time, the museum uses the piece to signal welcome to a broader audience during Pride observances.
By grounding the design in existing holdings, the institution avoids new acquisitions or external commissions. The approach keeps costs contained while demonstrating how scientific collections can support cultural initiatives. Stakeholders include regular museum visitors, school groups, and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community who now encounter familiar natural objects arranged in a new context.
Practical Steps in Assembly
Preparation involved conservation review of every specimen selected. Lighting conditions were tested to prevent fading during the display period. Mounts and supports were fabricated to hold delicate items without stress.
Once installed, the flag remains on view for a defined season. After that period, the specimens return to their permanent locations within the research and storage areas. Documentation of the project stays available for future reference or repeat displays.
Broader Implications for Museums
Other natural history institutions face similar questions about how their holdings can address contemporary audiences. The Canadian Museum of Nature example shows one method that stays within existing resources and conservation standards. It also illustrates how colour and form in nature can illustrate diversity without requiring additional interpretation layers.
Visitors encounter the flag as part of a larger visit rather than as a standalone statement. The integration keeps the focus on the specimens themselves while the arrangement conveys an additional message about inclusion. Future projects at the museum may explore comparable uses of the collections for other community events.
The effort demonstrates that scientific collections already contain the material needed for meaningful public gestures. By rearranging what is already held, the museum extends the reach of its galleries without expanding its footprint or budget. The specimens continue to serve research and education while also participating in a visible expression of community connection.
