Luca Berton, the director of exhibits at Museum of Science & History, has always had an appreciation for all things art. He’s painted, sculpted and even designed shoes.
With his current job as director of exhibits, it’s almost as if Berton gets to “play” all day at work. He dedicates time and effort each day to creating new ideas and new ways in which to implement them, no doubt. But imagine working on colorful, interactive props and sets all day, ones that are geared to capturing the audience of children.
A typical day for Berton starts when he takes his early morning stroll through the museum to make sure each exhibit’s components are working together correctly. Then it’s to the drawing board where he and others create new concepts and ideas. But for Berton and his team, it’s not always fun and games.
“We do lots of research finding new materials and products because there are so many different ones out there,” he says.
Once the research has been done, it’s time to try things out, Berton’s favorite part.
“I like the problem solving,” Berton says. “To me, the trial and error part is fun. You just keep playing until you find what works.”
But while Berton researches and solves problems for future exhibits, he’s also able to enjoy the success of MOSH’s current exhibits. One such example is “The Body Within”— an interactive exhibit that began in February. It highlights the human body from head to toe, and Berton says, it’s been a total success.
“We’ve never had (Baptist) Hospital involved with it and everything, it’s great.”
And one thing that makes this particular exhibit even more special? Berton doesn’t hesitate — “there isn’t anything else like it.”