Exhibition Highlights

Explore the beauty and wonder of water in this visually stunning exhibition that illuminates one of the most pressing challenges of the 21st century: the sustainable management of this life-giving, but finite, resource. Water: H₂O = Life is divided into 10 sections, each addressing a different, fundamental aspect of water:

• Introduction: Water shapes our planet and nearly every aspect of our lives. In this introductory section, visitors are asked to begin considering their relationship with water as they enter through a fog screen, upon which the word “water” is projected in different languages.


• Life in Water: Learn about how life has evolved to cope with water scarcity or abundance, temperature extremes, and fresh- or salt-water environments. Our own physical dependence on water as humans is also highlighted.


• Blue Planet: Nearly three-quarters of Earth’s surface is covered by water. In this section, learn about water’s surprising physical and chemical properties as you examine it in its three physical states; see the magic of the water cycle projected on a 68-inch globe; and witness the power of water as you walk through a reconstruction of a water-carved slot canyon.


• Water Works: We use water in almost every aspect of our lives. See how civilization has put water to work through the building of dams, wells and irrigation systems. Then discover the damaging effects our use can have on the environment.


• Theater: Watch a short video featuring experts from the American Museum of Natural History as they speak passionately about the need to rethink the ways we obtain and use water.


• Water, Water Everywhere: Explore some of the wettest and iciest places on the planet. See how life has adapted to these conditions, as well as the effects climate change is having on the environment. Take a moment to reflect on water’s ability to enrich our lives through examples of the role water has played in art and culture.


• Not a Drop to Drink: More than a billion people live without reliable access to safe drinking water. From lifting full water jugs to viewing a scale model working “play pump,” visitors will observe the amazing ways people and ecosystems adapt to this lack of water and the innovative technologies being used today to help people access this essential resource.


• Healthy Water, Healthy Lives: Access to clean water plays an important role in our health. Learn about where our water comes from, what is involved to make sure it is safe and how people all over the world are coming up with simple ways to improve the quality of their water and, consequently, their health.


• Restoring Ecosystems: In this section, water’s ability to connect all living things is exemplified in the case studies of three ecosystems where human effects on the environment are being addressed. Discover how these aquatic ecosystems are both alarmingly fragile and surprisingly resilient.


• What Can I Do?: Read about environmental heroes and the actions they are taking to restore and conserve water in inspiring ways. Walk away knowing that individual action can make a difference to our watery planet and leave armed with ideas of simple changes that you can make in your own life to conserve water.