American Museum of Natural History Research Library
author: American Museum of Natural History

Water: H20=Life (Exhibition)
birth: 2007 November 3
death: 2008 May 26
Exhibition. Opened in November 3, 2007 and closed May 26, 2008. Located in Section 3, Floor 3 in Gallery 3 at the American Museum of Natural History. "Water: H20 = Life" was an exhibition that gave visitors an in-depth look at one of the most important substances and environmental issues of the day. It illuminated a pressing challenge of the 21st century: humanity's sustainable management and use of the life-giving, but finite, resource - water.
Summary
"Water: H20 = Life" was an exhibition that gave visitors an in-depth look at one of the most important substances and environmental issues of the day. It illuminated a pressing challenge of the 21st century: humanity's sustainable management and use of the life-giving, but finite, resource - water. The exhibit explored our planet's "lifeblood" using a combination of presentation techniques, including live fishes and frogs, images projected on a curtain of fog, a six-foot globe displaying satellite images of Earth, immersive dioramas, and interactive exhibits that allowed visitors to experience firsthand the power of water. The exhibition examined the compelling challenges that people and ecosystems around the globe face with respect to water quality and availability. Artifacts from the Museum's and other collections highlighted diverse cultural and spiritual aspects of water. Visitors were challenged to see water as a limited and life-sustaining resource. the exhibit was curated by Eleanor Sterling, director of the American Museum of Natural History's Center for Biodiversity and Conservation. The exhibit was organized by the Museum and the Science Museum of Minnesota, St. Paul, in collaboration with Great Lakes Science Center, Cleveland; The Field Museum, Chicago; Instituto Sangari, Sao Paulo, Brazil; National Museum of Australia, Canberra; Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto, Canada; San Diego Natural History Museum; and Singapore Science Center with PUB Singapore. The Panta Rhea Foundation, the Park Foundation, and Wege Foundation provided support for the exhibition's educational programming and materials. The exhibit was informed by a 2006 Museum survey sponsored by the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) which determined what Americans know about water. The exhibit was supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation. The exclusive corporate sponsor was JPMorgan. The exhibit was on view in Gallery 3 of the American Museum of Natural History from November 3, 2007 through May 26, 2008. After its presentation at the Museum, the exhibit began an international tour in North America and then traveled to South America, Asia and Australia.
Individuals and institutions involved in the creation of the exhibition: Science Museum of Minnesota, St. Paul; Great Lakes Science Center, Cleveland; The Field Museum, Chicago; Instituto Sangari, Sao Paulo, Brazil; National Nuseum of Australia, Canberra; Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto, Canada; San Diego Natural History Museum; Singapore Science Center; PUB Singapore; National Oceanic and Atmospherica Administration; The Panta Rhea Foundation; Park Foundation; Wege Foundation; Eleanor Sterling.