April 20, 2022 — With the opening of its newest touring exhibition on April 30, Science Museum of Virginia guests can explore the most shape-shifting, color-changing, thought-provoking, ever-evolving organ: skin.
“Skin: Living Armor, Evolving Identity” explores both the scientific properties of different types of human and animal skin as well as societal constructs associated with skin color. It examines the uniquely complex organ, illustrating the incredibly adaptive properties of skin across all organisms, and sparks dialogue and reflection about skin’s role in shaping human culture and identity.
“The skin’s ability to sense, adapt and regrow is phenomenal, but this exhibition covers far more than biology,” said Virginia C. Ellett Director of Education Timshel Purdum. “It seamlessly weaves culture, evolution, economics, genetics and power into the narrative. It celebrates the diversity in an organ that is so important and distinct to each species. It lives up to its tagline of ‘deep content rooted in bold science’.”
Hands-on multimedia experiences and dozens of scientific specimens from world-class research collections bring to life the extraordinary characteristics of skin. Interactive displays invite guests to investigate how their own skin perceives the sensations of temperature, vibration and pressure. Animal specimens showcase fur, scales, quills and feathers in all shapes and sizes.
An interactive map highlights the role melanin plays in the diversity of human skin, and how skin tones evolved to either protect humans from UV rays or absorb enough rays to generate vitamin D. Timelines peer into the past to examine the social construct of race and pigment, and its political fluidity throughout human history.
The multisensory, multilingual experience is designed for all ages. It provides an opportunity to explore important topics such as racism, prejudice and discrimination through the lenses of science and history.
“Just as skin has multiple layers, humans have attached numerous layers of meaning to skin,” Purdum said. “And just like skin can regenerate itself, so too can our cultural associations and assumptions about skin. Bringing this exhibition to Richmond appealed to us because it prompts guests to keep discussing how social constructs and scientific understanding impacts their life long after they leave the Science Museum.”
To complement the exhibition, the Science Museum will offer skin-themed demos and educational activities throughout the building, and host events and Lunch Break Science presentations all year. The first of these, Science After Dark: Skin Rocks, is Friday, May 6, from 5 to 8 p.m. That event will highlight the science behind instruments and ways skin — and sometimes other body parts — can create music.
In addition, the Science Museum is showing a new giant screen film about an extremely rare mammal while “Skin: Living Armor, Evolving Identity” is on display. “Great Bear Rainforest” explores the wild and temperate home of grizzlies, coastal wolves, sea otters and the all-white spirit bear, the rarest bear on Earth. Guests can see “Great Bear Rainforest” on The Dome’s quarter-acre screen at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. daily to learn about the rare genetic trait which impacts the fur color of this North American black bear subspecies.
“Skin: Living Armor, Evolving Identity” was created by the California Academy of Sciences, and modified for travel and distributed by the Science Museum of Minnesota. The exhibition is generously supported by Susan and Nicholas Pritzker and Family, and sponsored locally by Dermatology Associates of Virginia, Patient First and Richmond Dermatology.
The exhibition is on display through January 15, 2023. It is the first of two touring exhibitions the Science Museum is hosting this year. “Planet Shark: Predator or Prey” opens May 28.
“Skin: Living Armor, Evolving Identity” is included with Science Museum admission. Discounts are available for teachers, military personnel and EBT cardholders.
The Science Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Beginning Memorial Day, the Science Museum is open seven days a week. Guests are encouraged to purchase tickets at smv.org.
About the Science Museum of Virginia
From virtual presentations featuring STEM experts to fun videos on social media to in-person experiential exhibits, the Science Museum of Virginia looks for every opportunity to inspire all Virginians to enrich their lives through science. Helping curious minds discover the connections between — and their connection to — science, technology, engineering and math guides Science Museum staff in all they do. Learn more at smv.org or call 804.864.1400.