Museums hold some of the most precious items ever to have been created. From the Mona Lisa in Paris to the Statue of David in Florence, there are countless precious items on display around the world, each one more precious than the last. While priceless objects are hosted in some of the world’s top research institutes, however, there are countless others that are simply too valuable to be put on display. Hearkening back to the beginning of cultural time, these precious items speak volumes about the path of humanity and they might never reach the light of day.
- Harrison Schmitt’s Spacesuit
(source: space.com)
While historical items can give us an insight into some of the most significant events to have taken place, there are a number of reasons why they might not always be granted a space in a museum. Take Harrison Schmitt’s spacesuit for one. Having survived the Apollo 17 moon landing, the suit is covered in precious moon dust, which helps to inform important research. Despite its cultural significance, the suit has been kept in storage ever since it arrived back on the earth, helping to push forward NASA’s understanding of space. The same can be said of Neil Armstrong’s suit, which is stored away as researchers perform important preservation work. They might be displayed one day but for now, the articles are strictly behind closed doors.
- Vladimir Nabokov’s Butterfly Cabinet
(source: nytimes.com)
One of contemporary literature’s finest writers, Vladimir Nabokov was known for more than just his stellar writing. Having tallied up a number of strange hobbies over his time, the Russian writer became particularly renowned for his interest in butterflies. Over the years, Nabokov amassed a collection of thousands of butterflies, many of which were incredibly rare or dying out. The sheer size of his collection meant that it was snaffled up by the Museum of Comparative Zoology at Harvard, kept in storage for research purposes.
- Dr. Livingstone’s Hat
(source: dailymail.co.uk)
One of the most celebrate explorers in history, Dr. David Livingstone was renowned for his adventures into the African continent. Undertaking his work during the 19th century, Dr. Livingstone was never without his trusty uniform, worn for practical purposes. Now, however, his clothing has taken on something of an iconic status, affecting how we think of the traditional explorer. While his entire outfit was celebrated, it was his hat that really endured as an image of his work. Now, Dr. Livingstone’s hats are kept in secret storage, released very occasionally for the odd special exhibition.
- Margot Fonteyn’s Tutu
(source: roh.org.uk)
An enduring figure in the ballet world, Margot Fonteyn is still celebrated for her career defining performances in works such as “Swan Lake” and “The Sleeping Beauty”. It is the latter for which she is particularly remembered, having gone down in history for her performance of the main role with the Sadler Wells ballet company. The tutu that Fonteyn wore while depicting the Princess Aurora is so delicate and treasured that it is maintained in a humidity-controlled storage space away from prying eyes. The tutu might have inspired a thousand careers but for now, it is very much under lock and key.
- Queen Victoria’s Dental Tools
(source: collectorsweekly.com)
One of the most enduring monarchs to have ever lived, Queen Victoria has gone down in history for a whole range of reasons. While her clothing attire and quote-worthy lines might endure today, it is the Queen’s dental tools that are truly precious today. The dental tools that were used on the Queen’s mouth throughout her life have taken on noteworthy status. Impeccably preserved, the items are currently held in the British Dental Association, kept in perfect shape.