Ewha Natural History Museum Opens Special Exhibition: Survival Stories of Earth’s Species Facing Climate Change N
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Natural History Museum opened a special exhibition, introducing threatened species through real specimens, photos, and experiential exhibitions
The Natural History Museum (Director: Park Joong-ki) opened its special exhibition, Survival Stories of Earth’s Species Facing Climate Change, in the 4th-floor exhibition hall on Monday, December 23, last year.
Scholars state that Earth has transitioned from the ‘holocene’, which lasted over 10,000 years, into the ‘anthropocene’—a new geological epoch marked by the profound impact of human activities on the planet. The term ‘anthropocene’ warns of how large-scale carbon emissions, deforestation, and ocean pollution are fundamentally altering Earth’s natural systems. This special exhibition focuses on the effects of rapid climate change on natural ecosystems and living organisms. Supported by the Ministry of Education's University Innovation Support Program, the museum has revisited the theme of climate change for the first time since 2009.
The exhibition provides an in-depth look at diverse species under threat, such as African elephants, giant pandas, polar bears, sea turtles, blue whales, and krill, through real specimens, photographs, and experiential exhibitions. It also explores climate indicator species in Korea, in which their distribution and habitat characteristics are affected by the climate change, and examines relevant challenges such as the spread of unexpected diseases, food crises, and climate migrants. Notably, the exhibition showcases interactive media art installations that highlight critical issues caused by excessive greenhouse gas emissions and rising ocean temperatures. These include coral bleaching, gender imbalance in sea turtle populations, and the ecological mismatch between flowers and bees due to abrupt climate change.
Curator Seo Soo-yeon, who is in charge of the exhibition, stated, “During the preparation process, graduate students from Ewha Womans University’s College of Fine Arts, specializing in visual arts, contributed to the exhibition graphics and media art. Additionally, students from the university's ‘Wild Bird Research Club’ collaborated to produce photos and collect data on climate indicator species in Korea. This provided hands-on experience for students and demonstrated the educational effect of the Natural History Museum.”
The museum also offers a variety of public education programs in connection with the exhibition to raise awareness of the impact of climate change on humanity and the importance of preserving biodiversity. In January, there will be a program for elementary school students titled “Bingo for the Well-being of Earth’s Species!”. From March to May, a seminar on the exhibition’s theme will be conducted for first-year students at Ewha. Additional educational programs for elementary, middle, and high school groups, as well as adults, will also be developed and announced on the museum’s website.
Director Park emphasized, “This exhibition provides an opportunity for the general public to recognize the problems caused by greenhouse gas emissions and global warming, as well as to feel the importance of preserving biodiversity. It is designed to encourage harmonious coexistence with nature.”
Admission to the exhibition is free, and the museum is open Monday to Friday, and on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month from 10AM to 4PM. It is closed on Sundays, public holidays, and Saturdays during the school vacation periods of January, February, July, and August. Group tours and docent-guided explanations require prior reservation. For inquiries, contact 02-3277-4700.