The Scottish National Gallery recently announced possible plans to turn its spacious rooftop into a home for bees. No, it's not part of some elaborate outdoor installation, the Edinburgh art haven is just dippings its toes into the world of amateur beekeeping.
The initiative, headed by restaurateur and museum cafe owner, Victor Contini, would place two beehives on the top of the National Gallery building, and is expected to yield about 100 jars of honey per year, reports the Edinburgh-based newspaper, the Scotland. The cultured bees would have access to the flower beds of nearby Prince Street Gardens and "Edinburgh" flavored honey would be sold in the gift shop.
"It’s great to see the National Galleries and other museums becoming aware of the issue of beekeeping and being able to help," Contini told the Scotland.
The Mound and National Gallery of Scotland with the Scott monument, Edinburgh, Scotland, U.K.
By "other museums," the cafe owner means London's Tate Modern and the National Portrait Gallery, which have already embarked on similar efforts, transforming their urban rooftops into homes for bees. In recent years, honey bees have been experiencing increased death rates, but a CBS News report this month emphasizes an even more drastic drop in bee numbers is expected after the harsh 2012-2013 winter.
According to Wired, the Scottish National Gallery's project hasn't received the green light yet; a spokesperson for the museum stated that "further research would have to take place before it became a reality." Let us know what you think of the beekeeping adventures of the UK's art world in the comments.
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