Traveling Exhibits
The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum of the Chicago Academy of Sciences has a long history of creating thought-provoking, engaging, ground-breaking exhibits. Our award-winning exhibits entertain and educate visitors of all ages on topics ranging from urban ecology to extinction to climate change.
Select past awards include:
2017 –Weather to Climate: Our Changing World – American Alliance of Museums – Excellence in Exhibition Label Writing
2014 – Nature’s Struggle: Survival & Extinction – Illinois Association of Museums – Award of Merit: Exhibits
2013 – Food: The Nature of Eating – Illinois Association of Museums – Certificate of Excellence Achievement Award: Exhibits
Want to rent one of our exhibits for your museum or science center? Interested in exhibiting your work at the Nature Museum? Fill out the inquiry form and our exhibits team will follow up with you.
Weather to Climate presents the fundamentals of weather and climate and explains how the two phenomena are connected through fun interactives and engaging content. The exhibition connects weather to the science behind global climate changes and explores how it affects human and animal communities around the world.
Key Messages:
- Weather is a phenomenon that happens now; climate is phenomenon that happens over long periods of time.
- Weather patterns and climate continuously change, usuall y slowly, in a phenomenon known as “natural variability. ”
- Earthʼs global climate is changing. Itʼs becoming warmer and wetter.
- Some plants and animals can adapt to climate change; others cannot.
- Human actions are causing climate change, but human actions can lessen its impact.
Host Requirements:
- Minimum 4000 sq ft. of gallery space
- Minimum 10 ft. high ceilings
Introducing Flight of Butterflies, a vibrant new exhibition that blends art, nature, and storytelling to deliver an impactful experience for all ages. Chicago-based artists adorned butterfly sculptures with original designs, expressing their unique connections to nature. Each butterfly is a testament to the artist, their journey, and their connection to nature, and this project uniquely intertwines artistic expression with a call to action for wildlife conservation.
Key Messages:
- Nature connects us. As we face critical environmental challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss, understanding the relationship between people and nature has never been more important.
- Art inspires us. These sculptures highlight positive stories of people and their connections to nature. Using the butterfly as a symbol of freedom and beauty, this exhibition unites us through a shared sense of wonder.
- Flight of Butterflies activates us. This immersive experience captivates people of all ages, inviting them to explore artist stories, capture breathtaking photos, and walk away inspired to take action.
Sculpture Specs:
- 6 ft W x 4 ft H (20 sculptures)
- 6 ft W x 4 ft H (9 sculptures)
- 125 lbs each