The article explores a hidden part of the Helsinki Natural History Museum, which features a vast collection of preserved animals stored in jars, creating a pungent atmosphere in the museum's basement. Visitors are instructed by Linda Knapp, a guide at the museum, to avoid touching the contents, as some specimens could be highly toxic. Among the highlights is a 116-year-old gecko, brought back from Kenya by renowned painter Akseli Gallen-Kallela, showcasing the historical connection between art and natural science.

The presence of this gecko, along with other preserved specimens like various fish and reptiles, highlights an important aspect of the early 20th century, when artists not only created but also engaged in the natural history field. Iida Turpeinen, a writer and literature scholar, sheds light on how the disciplines of art and natural science were closely intertwined at that time. This intersection is significant for understanding the cultural landscape of the era, where artists like Gallen-Kallela contributed to both artistic and scientific endeavors.

This secretive exhibition that the public usually can't access offers a glimpse into the historical practices surrounding the collecting and preserving of animals. It emphasizes the importance of museums as places where art, science, and history converge, enriching our understanding of the natural world while also addressing the ethical implications of specimen preservation in a modern context. This unique laboratory-like setting in the museum invites curiosity and raises questions about how we relate to the natural environment.