A diorama is a three-dimensional replica of a scene, typically a full-size or miniature model, sometimes enclosed in a glass showcase for a museum. They are often built by hobbyists as part of related hobbies such as military vehicle modeling. The word "diorama" originated in 1823 as a type of picture-viewing device, from the French in 1822. The current, popular understanding of the term "diorama" denotes a partially three-dimensional, full-size replica or scale model of a landscape typically showing historical events, nature scenes, or cityscapes, for purposes of education or entertainment.
Dioramas can be used to illustrate an academic subject, a plot of a story, or an event in history. They are often used as a fun craft project for kids or for a book report, history class, or science project. A shoebox diorama is a popular type of diorama that is built inside a shoebox.
Dioramas are often employed in museums and may depict any subject on any scale. They can be used to bring a three-dimensional reality to a scene or event.
