The Natural History Museum in London is set to unveil a groundbreaking new exhibition titled Fixing Our Broken Planet, designed to highlight the critical challenges facing our world and inspire visitors to take action. This free, permanent gallery, the first to open at the museum since 2016, aims to educate and empower people by showcasing the interconnectedness of human and planetary health. The exhibition will feature a variety of unique specimens, including a Sumatran rhinoceros, parasitic worms, and whale earwax, each telling a story about the intricate relationship between humans and the natural world. Amid growing concerns about climate breakdown and the devastating impact of human activities on the environment, this gallery arrives at a pivotal moment, offering both insight into the problems and practical solutions for addressing them.
One of the most compelling aspects of Fixing Our Broken Planet is its focus on innovation and hope. The exhibition will highlight groundbreaking scientific discoveries and nature-based solutions to some of the world’s most pressing issues. For example, visitors will learn about bacteria that can extract valuable copper from mine waste, reducing the environmental impact of mining. They’ll also discover how bison are playing a role in reshaping British forests for the better, and how advances in DNA analysis are helping to combat mosquito-borne diseases like malaria. These stories demonstrate the museum’s commitment to showcasing the power of nature and science in driving positive change. By emphasizing solutions, the gallery aims to leave visitors feeling inspired and equipped to make a difference.
The exhibition is part of a broader effort by the Natural History Museum to engage the public in conversations about planetary health. Museum director Dr. Doug Gurr emphasized that the gallery is rooted in the institution’s research, placing science at the heart of the narrative. “Our scientists have been working to find solutions for and from nature,” he said. “Fixing Our Broken Planet… shows that we all have the power to make change.” This message of empowerment is central to the gallery’s mission. Visitors will be presented with practical, evidence-based actions they can take to address the planetary emergency, from making sustainable lifestyle choices to supporting conservation efforts. The exhibition is designed to inspire all generations, as Arts Minister Chris Bryant noted, by showing how individuals can contribute to meaningful, lasting change.
The launch of Fixing Our Broken Planet coincides with a growing sense of urgency about the need for environmental action. scientists have warned that the window for addressing climate change and other global challenges is rapidly narrowing. For instance, 2024 has already seen the world surpass key warming limits, underscoring the need for immediate action. The gallery’s timing is therefore both poignant and necessary, offering a beacon of hope at a time when many feel overwhelmed by the scale of the problem. By framing environmental challenges as opportunities for innovation and collaboration, the exhibition encourages visitors to see themselves as part of the solution.
In addition to its focus on science and solutions, Fixing Our Broken Planet promises to be a deeply engaging and immersive experience. The inclusion of specimens like the Sumatran rhinoceros, parasitic worms, and whale earwax highlights the museum’s vast collection and its ability to tell compelling stories through natural history. These artifacts serve as a reminder of the beauty and diversity of life on Earth, while also illustrating the fragility of ecosystems and the impact of human activity. By connecting the personal and the planetary, the exhibition invites visitors to reflect on their own relationship with the natural world and how their choices can shape its future.
The Natural History Museum’s new gallery is not just an exhibition—it’s a call to action. As the world grapples with the consequences of human activity, Fixing Our Broken Planet offers a vision of a future where science, nature, and humanity work together to heal and restore our world. The gallery is a testament to the museum’s role as a place of learning, inspiration, and advocacy. By funding this initiative, the UK government’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport has recognized the importance of cultural institutions in driving environmental awareness and action. As visitors explore the gallery, they will be reminded that the future is indeed in our hands—and that every individual has the power to make a difference.
In conclusion, Fixing Our Broken Planet is a timely and thought-provoking addition to the Natural History Museum’s offerings. With its unique blend of science, storytelling, and inspiration, the exhibition has the potential to resonate with audiences of all ages. It arrives at a moment when the need for environmental action has never been more urgent, offering both a candid look at the challenges we face and a hopeful vision of the solutions that lie within our reach. As the museum continues to inspire and educate, this gallery stands as a powerful reminder that, together, we can fix our broken planet.
