A Visit to the Science Labs at the Metropolitan Museum of Art

The World Science Festival is INCREDIBLE!

Entering the Met's behind-the-scene's science laboratories.

Art scientists for the day!

We used dead, dry insects to make a red dye.  This insect dye was first used by ancient Mexican civilizations and since then it has been used for centuries.  We still use it today to color lipsticks, sodas, strawberry yogurt, and many other products!

Cochineal insects turn red when crushed.

Adding water makes a rich, red dye.

Once silk is dyed, we give it a water bath.

Cochineal red silk swatches

Here's the red silk under extreme magnification.

A close up of a tapestry from the museum with gold and silver threads.

A microscopic view of a strand of silver wire wrapped around wool.

Using a spectrometer to analyze European fabrics and Japanese prints.

Who knew scientists do detective work at the Metropolitan Museum of Art?