Museum of Science, Boston Opens New Exhibition, Changing Landscapes: An Immersive Journey

BOSTON, MA — The Museum of Science, Boston, one of the world’s largest science centers, has unveiled its groundbreaking exhibition, Changing Landscapes: An Immersive Journey. The exhibit, created in collaboration with UNESCO, invites visitors on an unforgettable exploration of four UNESCO World Heritage Sites grappling with the challenges posed by our planet's evolving climate. 

Utilizing photogrammetry technology, Changing Landscapes: An Immersive Journey will transport visitors through Memphis and its Necropolis – the Pyramid Fields from Giza to Dahshur; Venice; Rapa Nui National Park; and Mesa Verde National Park. In Changing Landscapes: An Immersive Journey, visitors can learn how extreme conditions affect UNESCO World Heritage site by engaging with hands-on activities, including boarding up store fronts in Venice to barricade from rising water levels, piecing together the broken pieces of a petroglyph puzzle, visitors learn how even rocks are vulnerable to damage from wildfires in Mesa Verde, and more. 

“The exhibition serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of these irreplaceable landmarks and the urgent need for global action to address climate change,” said Tim Ritchie, president of the Museum of Science. “Changing Landscapes: An Immersive Journey encourages visitors of all ages to learn about solutions and find ways to take action, as well as what our communities are doing to mitigate climate change.” 

At each UNESCO World Heritage Site, visitors will delve deep into the impacts of Earth's rapidly changing climate on places and peoples across the globe. The exhibit offers visitors opportunities to reflect on places that they value, as well as activities that offer mitigation solutions to various climate hazards. Before exiting, visitors can watch a rotation of videos with organizations taking action to help us all adapt to life in Earth’s changing landscapes. 

“We are proud of this partnership with the Museum of Science, Boston which illustrates the very strong links between UNESCO and major American institutions to advance research and share knowledge. Together, we must continue to reflect on these major issues, so that we can pass on our heritage to future generations,” declared Lazare Eloundou Assomo, Director of UNESCO World Heritage.

The exhibition is part of the Museum of Science’s 2024 “Year of the Earthshot,” a yearlong exploration of climate solutions and the actions we can take now to live more sustainably on Earth.  

"The Museum of Science will be spending the entirety of 2024 shining a light on the climate solutions that are transforming the ways we live, move, eat, and work, and the innovators who are making these transformations happen for a more sustainable and equitable future," said David Sittenfeld, director of the Museum's Center for the Environment. "Changing Landscapes provides a perfect example of the importance of preserving cultural sites affected by our rapidly changing climate, and of innovations we can take to protect the peoples who live near these locations and build resilience in response to the climate crisis.” 

Changing Landscapes: An Immersive Journey is on exhibit through May 5, 2024, and is included with Exhibition Hall admission. The exhibition is made possible through the generous support of Bloomberg Philanthropies and additional backing from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. For more information, please visit mos.org/visit/exhibits/changing-landscapes. All visitors, including members, holders of MA EBT/WIC, ConnectorCare cards, and other free/discounted passes can reserve tickets in advance either online at mos.org or by phoning 617-723-2500.