Looking for the 2024 Cabinets of Curiosity?
nspired by natural history but with a magical twist, on display throughout the Story Mansion were cabinets filled with curious and engaging objects gathered by an imaginary family of collectors: mesmerizing mementos, fanciful renditions of scientific specimens and artifacts, and even encapsulated sounds and memories. Created by talented Montana artists, the cabinets were interactive, designed to engage all the senses and sure to fascinate and delight visitors of all ages. Presented in partnership with Bozeman Parks and Recreation, this exhibit was free and open to the public from April 12th to May 8th, 2022.
The cabinets on display were (supposedly) discovered behind a secret panel in the wall of a crumbling Victorian house, the former home of the Sibylla siblings. Rumor has it that the Sibyllas were a mysterious family of naturalists, inventors and collectors who traveled near and far (and possibly through other dimensions as well) gathering unique specimens, oddities and curios. Each collection was created by one of the siblings, guided by their own particular and peculiar set of interests, talents and obsessions.
Stories abound as to the sources of these finds. Some speculate that the Sibyllas were able to travel to other universes through mysterious portals. Others hypothesize that they found previously undiscovered and fantastical worlds within our own. Less skeptical folks simply chalk it up to magic.
Our team of silly scientists has been working night and day to learn more about the artifacts on display, but as yet answers remain elusive. The secretive Sibyllas explained very little and much has been lost to time and decay. Their mysterious origins and mechanics may never be solved but the artifacts on display are truly a wonder to behold. We invite you to explore and enjoy these truly marvelous cabinets of curiosity, and decide for yourself whether they are real or imaginary.