On May 13, 2011, Mr. Neville Petrie, Chief Executive of Science Alive (or the New Zealand Science Center) and Mr. Murray Giera, Chairman of the Science Alive Trust Board visited BMNH and exchanged ideas with Director Meng Qingjin about exhibitions, researches, educational programs as well as the construction of new venues.

Located in Christchurch, Science Alive is New Zealand’s only independent science centre. On September 4, 2010, an earthquake wreaked havoc inChristchurchand the building of Science Alive was badly damaged. After the quake, Science Alive was unable to accept visitors. In order to make their exhibits useful to the public, they brought them to schools and various communities, and the center’s staff also voluntarily engaged themselves in educational programs. These activities have maximized the utilization of the center’s resources and are acclaimed by the audience. The center is also able to collect messages from the public and provide information for the local government to make policies in relevant areas.

Director Meng Qingjin gave a brief introduction of BMNH’s collections, exhibitions, researches, educational activities and the extension project. Mr. Meng told the guests that BMNH had been actively working together with world-renowned museums and scientific institutions in exhibitions and researches. He also mentioned that BMNH’s popular Dinosaurs from China exhibition had been displayed in Te Papa,New Zealand’s national museum.

Science Alive’s current venue was built in 1958, the same year when BMNH’s gallery hall was completed. At the moment, both organizations are planning to build new gallery halls. And when putting up new buildings, both Science Alive and BMNH have to take into consideration the historical significance of the current venues. The leaders of Science Alive and BMNH exchanged their concepts on building new gallery halls.