If you're a fan of both history and the adrenaline rush of disaster films, this list is for you. Here, we've compiled a selection of movies where the serene halls of historical museums become the epicentres of chaos and destruction. These films not only offer thrilling narratives but also provide a unique backdrop of cultural heritage, making for an unforgettable cinematic experience.
The Ghost and the Darkness (1996)
Description: Although not set in a museum, the film deals with the historical event of the Tsavo maneaters, which could be considered a 'disaster' for the railway construction project, akin to the preservation of history.
Fact: The film is based on real events, and the lions' skulls are on display at the Field Museum in Chicago.
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The Mummy (1999)
Description: While not set in a museum, the film begins with an expedition to find the lost city of Hamunaptra, which can be considered a historical site. The 'disaster' unfolds when ancient curses are unleashed.
Fact: The film was inspired by the 1932 film of the same name, but it takes a more action-adventure approach.
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The Day After Tomorrow (2004)
Description: While not exclusively set in a museum, a significant portion of the film features the New York Public Library, which can be considered a historical museum. The library faces the wrath of a sudden ice age, showcasing the vulnerability of cultural landmarks during natural disasters.
Fact: The film was inspired by the book "The Coming Global Superstorm" by Art Bell and Whitley Strieber. The special effects team used real snow and ice to create the catastrophic scenes.
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The Da Vinci Code (2006)
Description: The Louvre Museum in Paris becomes the stage for a thrilling chase and a potential disaster as secrets hidden within its art could change history.
Fact: The film was shot in the Louvre after hours, giving viewers a rare glimpse into the museum's less-seen areas.
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Night at the Museum (2006)
Description: Although primarily a comedy, this film involves a night guard at the American Museum of Natural History where exhibits come to life. While not a traditional disaster film, the chaos that ensues can be seen as a form of 'disaster' for the museum's curator.
Fact: The film was shot on location at the actual American Museum of Natural History in New York City, with many real exhibits featured.
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The Lost City of Z (2016)
Description: This film explores the real-life quest for an ancient city in the Amazon, which can be seen as a historical site. The 'disaster' is the loss of the explorer and his findings.
Fact: The film was shot in Colombia, standing in for the Amazon rainforest.
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Pompeii (2014)
Description: While not set in a museum, the film depicts the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius, which buried the city of Pompeii, now a historical site and museum.
Fact: The film was shot in Toronto, with sets built to replicate ancient Pompeii.
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The Finest Hours (2016)
Description: This film, while not set in a museum, involves a Coast Guard rescue mission during a massive storm, showcasing the 'disaster' of losing historical maritime artifacts.
Fact: The film is based on the true story of the Pendleton rescue, one of the most daring in Coast Guard history.
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The Monuments Men (2014)
Description: This film, while not a disaster movie in the conventional sense, deals with the protection of art and cultural heritage during WWII, showcasing the potential 'disaster' of losing historical artifacts.
Fact: The film is based on the true story of an Allied group tasked with saving art from the Nazis.
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The Relic (1997)
Description: Set in the Chicago Field Museum of Natural History, this film involves a creature from the Amazon that wreaks havoc during a gala event, turning the museum into a scene of disaster.
Fact: The creature was created using a combination of animatronics and CGI, making it one of the first films to use such technology extensively.
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