Whale earwax and parasitic worms go on display at Natural History Museum as part of ‘broken planet’ exhibition

Fixing Our Broken Planet: A New Exhibition at the Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum in London is set to open a groundbreaking new gallery titled Fixing Our Broken Planet, a free permanent exhibition that delves into the most pressing challenges facing our world today. This is the museum’s first new permanent gallery since 2016, and it arrives at a time when the planet is grappling with unprecedented environmental crises, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion. The exhibition is designed to not only explore these issues but also to inspire visitors by offering practical, evidence-based solutions and actions they can take to make a difference.

The Science of Solutions: Nature as a Problem-Solver

At the heart of the Fixing Our Broken Planet exhibition are stories of how nature is already providing solutions to some of humanity’s most pressing challenges. Visitors will learn about remarkable innovations, such as bacteria that can extract valuable copper from mine waste, reducing the need for harmful mining practices. Another highlight is the role of DNA analysis in combating mosquito-borne diseases like malaria, showcasing how cutting-edge science can protect both humans and ecosystems. The exhibition also explores how bison are transforming British forests, helping them store more carbon and fostering healthier ecosystems. These examples illustrate the museum’s commitment to showcasing nature as a source of inspiration and solutions.

The Power of Nature: Stories of Adaptation and Resilience

The gallery features an array of unique specimens that tell the story of humanity’s relationship with the planet. These include a Sumatran rhinoceros, whale earwax, and parasitic worms, each offering insights into the natural world and its interconnectedness with human life. The exhibition emphasizes the idea that the future is in our hands, as scientists warn that 2024 could mark a critical threshold for global warming. By highlighting these specimens and their stories, the museum aims to deepen visitors’ understanding of the delicate balance of life on Earth and the urgent need for action.

Taking Action: Empowering Visitors for Change

One of the most distinctive aspects of Fixing Our Broken Planet is its focus on empowering visitors to take action. As the demand for food, materials, and energy continues to grow, the exhibition provides practical guidance on how individuals can make a positive impact. From reducing carbon footprints to supporting sustainable practices, the gallery offers visitors actionable steps they can take in their daily lives. Museum director Dr. Doug Gurr emphasized that the exhibition places the museum’s scientific research at its core, demonstrating how everyone has the power to drive change.

Inspiring Change Across Generations

The exhibition is also a call to action for future generations. Funded in part by the UK government’s Department for Culture, Media, and Sport, Fixing Our Broken Planet reflects a broader commitment to fostering a more sustainable and responsible relationship with the natural world. Arts minister Chris Bryant highlighted the importance of inspiring all generations, noting that the gallery will demonstrate how individuals can make a difference. By engaging visitors of all ages, the exhibition aims to spark a sense of responsibility and hope for the future.

Celebrating Wildlife and Creativity: The People’s Choice Award

In addition to its focus on environmental solutions, the Natural History Museum recently celebrated the winners of its Wildlife Photographer of the Year People’s Choice Award. A photograph of a badger gazing at graffiti was crowned the winner, showcasing the unique intersection of wildlife and human-made environments. This creative and thought-provoking image reflects the museum’s broader mission to connect people with the natural world through art, science, and storytelling. As the Fixing Our Broken Planet exhibition prepares to open, it promises to inspire visitors to take action while offering a glimpse into the beauty and resilience of life on Earth.