Bringing Art into the Science Museum: Lessons from COSI’s Creative Approach

What is art? It’s a question many have asked, but few have conclusively answered. In the museum context, this question remains profoundly relevant. Museums are not just spaces for preserving history or showcasing scientific discoveries; they are cultural hubs where creativity intersects with knowledge. As societal challenges evolve and audiences demand more interactive, meaningful experiences, the role of art in museums goes beyond aesthetic appeal—it becomes a tool for dialogue, innovation, and community connection.

At the Creative Museums Summit 2024, the team from the Centre of Science and Industry (COSI) in Central Ohio didn’t attempt to define art. Instead, they explored how museums can more authentically integrate creative arts into disciplines like science and history.

Bringing Art into the Science Museum

Too often, museums incorporate the arts in a subservient role—using music, theatre, or visual arts as tools to deliver scientific or historical content. For example, an exhibition might feature a background soundtrack to enhance atmosphere, or theatre might be employed solely to dramatise historical facts.

Workshops may include simple art-and-craft activities designed primarily to illustrate scientific principles rather than foster true artistic exploration. While these approaches can be effective and engaging, they often relegate the arts to supporting roles rather than allowing them to shine as integral, creative forces in their own right.

COSI has taken a different path. Through projects such as Eclipse: The Musical and their community-generated art exhibitions, they’ve sought to inspire genuine artistic creation and collaboration, placing art on equal footing with science in a truly symbiotic relationship.

Community Art Exhibitions: Local Voices, Global Inspiration

Since 2019, COSI has hosted juried community art exhibitions that invite local, national, and international artists to respond to the museum’s travelling exhibits. These exhibitions have spanned themes from mythical creatures to bioluminescence, providing artists with creative freedom to explore scientific themes through their unique perspectives.

The selection process begins with an open call for submissions, inviting artists of all skill levels to contribute their interpretations. A panel of jurors, consisting of STEAM professionals, curators, and community representatives, carefully reviews each submission, focusing on originality, scientific engagement, and artistic execution. This transparent and inclusive process ensures a diverse range of voices are represented in the final exhibition.

One standout example was The Art of Bioluminescence, inspired by the Creatures of Light exhibition from the American Museum of Natural History. Artists created glowing sculptures, paintings, and installations that merged scientific knowledge with imaginative storytelling, resulting in an immersive experience for visitors.

One participating artist, Sabrina, shared her inspiration: “Being an Arizona native, I was always fascinated by the glow of scorpions under a black light. I incorporated that curiosity into my artwork, blending traditional Navajo jewellery with luminescent elements to tell a story about resilience and beauty in overlooked places.”

For COSI, these exhibitions are platforms for dialogue between scientific ideas and artistic expression. As Margarita Vilshanetskaya noted, “When local artists and hobbyists see themselves and their artwork at an institution like COSI, we truly embrace our mission of science and art being everywhere and for everyone.”

Eclipse: The Musical – Science Told Through Song and Story

Another bold experiment came in the form of Eclipse: The Musical, a theatrical exploration of the solar eclipse phenomenon. The production combined live-action performances, choreography, original music by Grammy-winning artists Alphabet Rockers, and animated storytelling to present the science behind an eclipse in an engaging, emotional, and memorable way.

The creative process began with a strong collaborative spirit. The team at COSI partnered with Alphabet Rockers to develop original songs that not only communicated scientific concepts but also carried emotional weight. Choreographers and dancers were brought in to interpret celestial movements through expressive motion, while COSI’s in-house animation team added imaginative visuals to illustrate the perspectives of the Sun and Moon.

Filming and production took place over an intense few weeks, with tight deadlines driven by the fixed date of the eclipse event. The final product was a polished theatrical short film that blended science, music, and storytelling seamlessly.

Audience feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Families shared how the musical sparked conversations about science at home, while educators praised the production for making a complex astronomical event feel accessible and emotionally resonant. One parent remarked, “My kids were singing the songs days after watching it—and they were explaining how an eclipse works at the same time!”

Rather than focusing on delivering facts about the eclipse, the musical told the story of two teenagers discovering their own curiosity and creativity while preparing for the celestial event. The result was not just an educational tool, but an artistic creation in its own right.

Tony Auseon explained, “Music is universal, and it provided an unexpected access point for audiences to engage with science. This wasn’t just about delivering facts—it was about creating an emotional connection.”

Key Takeaways for Museums

COSI’s creative initiatives offer valuable lessons for museum professionals looking to integrate the arts more authentically:

• Find Your Stories: Start with the human connections in your content. Stories are the bedrock of engagement and provide fertile ground for artistic exploration.
• Discover Your Hidden Artists: Creativity exists within staff, volunteers, and community members. Local artists can create unique, meaningful pieces that bridge science and art.
• Leverage Your Limits: Constraints, like tight timelines, can drive innovative solutions and bold creative choices.

The Power of Authentic Integration

As Frederic Bertley concluded, “At COSI, we know that science is everywhere and for everyone—but so is art.” Museums have the power to move beyond simply using art as an accessory to their exhibits. By embracing art as an integral part of their storytelling, they can create experiences that are not only educational but also deeply moving and universally resonant.

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Frederic Bertley, Tony Auseon and Margarita Vilshanetskaya from Centre of Science and Industry (COSI) spoke at the Creative Museums Summit 2024.