The McClung Museum at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Date Visited: October 27, 2006
Contact Information:
Frank H. McClung Museum
The University of Tennessee
1327 Circle Park Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996-3200
Phone: (865) 974-2144
Fax: (865) 974-3827
Email: museum@utk.edu
Website: http://mcclungmuseum.utk.edu/
Hours:
Monday through Saturday: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Sunday: 1:00 to 5:00 pm
Mission: “The Frank H. McClung Museum is an important component of The University of Tennessee, and participates in the implementation of the University's mission. The University of Tennessee is committed to the development of individuals and society as a whole through the cultivation and enrichment of the human mind and spirit. This is to be accomplished through teaching, scholarship, artistic creation, public service, and professional practice.
The complementary mission of the Frank H. McClung Museum is to advance understanding and appreciation of the earth and its peoples through the collection, preservation, study, interpretation, and exhibition of objects and data. The Museum is dedicated to the support of the academic programs of The University and to the attraction and education of the broadest spectrum of participants.”
My Experience:
I have been to this museum often, and this time decided to take a close look at the Egypt exhibit. I have walked through the exhibit a few times, but had to do it quickly since it was the fifteen minutes I had in between classes, which were located in the museum’s auditorium downstairs. When I first enter the museum, I always enjoy the tranquility of the fountain in both the sound it offers and the graceful look of the sculpture.
Right as I walk into the Egyptian exhibit, I am always captivated by their replica of the infamous Rosetta Stone. I highly doubt that during its construction its creators considered it would someday unlock the mysteries of interpreting hieroglyphics, and it is amazing to think about the great purpose the stone served. I would like to see the real thing in London someday. What I do not like about how the museum displays this particular object is its placement. It is so near the entrance that the first time I walked through the exhibit I walked right by it. It was the second time, when I was exiting the exhibit that I really noticed it. Its grand size and shiny look does grab the viewer’s attention, but I think it should be placed in a more attention grabbing space so visitors won’t be able to overlook its grandeur.
The next object that I always enjoy looking at and studied even closer during this visit was the head of Nefertiti. I love the way her neck is so elongated, emphasizing her gracefulness and beauty. It also causes her to look very alert, like she knows all and sees all. The museum does a great job with the placement and lighting of Nefertiti. She definitely stands out and I can never walk by her without steely a second glance.
The final object I want to highlight is the Hypostyle Hall Model. The model was made in 1894 after the temple designated for the worship of Amun-Ra. The model is so monumental, you begin to wonder how great the real thing in Karnak must be. The model is placed at a good level, making it possible to look through its columns and the intricate drawings and hieroglyphs. The height of the platform it is placed on also works to keep small children from touching it. There are signs posted asking visitors not to touch, so parents should inform their children that they shouldn’t touch it, but it is still very difficult for the little ones to resist exploring the seemingly foreign texture. In fact, I have even observed adults touching the model even though it is hard to miss the signage.
All in all I think the museum does a great job with this exhibit and it is especially neat that they have a real mummy on display, although that is not really my cup of tea.
*All images are from the museum's website.