Sharks, a new panel exhibition which unveils the mysteries of one of the ocean’s most magnificent, and often misunderstood creatures, is opening at venues around the world.
The exhibition, which is organised by the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) in New York, is supplied as 2D digitally delivered panels making it available to venues worldwide. Sharks is currently showing at Bioparc Aquarium of Gijón in Spain and Fundación Coppel in Mexico, and debuted in the US at St. Louis Aquarium in Missouri.
Tami Brown, executive director, St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station and STLAQ Foundation, says: “The St. Louis Aquarium is honored to be the first aquarium in the US to host the Sharks exhibit from the American Museum of Natural History. The exhibit inspired us to create our “Summer of the Shark” promotion, celebrating all the wonders of these amazing animals. So far our guests are really taking time to read the panels and learn more about these apex predators.”
Information-rich display
Sharks is based on AMNH’s hugely popular travelling exhibition of the same name. It invites visitors to learn about sharks’ astonishing diversity, habitats and hunting techniques, and the threats that they face today.
The evolutionary history of sharks spans hundreds of millions of years, and scientists are discovering many unexpected facts about this diverse group of ancient creatures. The display features both ancient and modern shark species, including the prehistoric mega-predator megalodon.
John Sparks, curator of Sharks and curator in the Department of Ichthyology at AMNH, says: “The perception of sharks—that they are large, vicious predators to be feared— couldn’t be farther from the truth. Sharks and their relatives are an incredibly old, diverse group of organisms that are critical to maintaining the health of the ecosystems they inhabit. In fact, humans are much more of a threat to sharks than they are to us.
“We hope people walk away from this exciting exhibition with a new appreciation for sharks and understand they are magnificent creatures that should be revered, not feared.”
The exhibition is designed for visitors of all ages and includes vibrant imagery, video content, interactives, and more. It is organised into six themes: Ancient, Predator/Prey, Biggest, Super Sensers, and Around the World, concluding with a section titled Sharks and Us.
A visitor at the Bioparc Aquarium of Gijón comments: “Visiting the Sharks exhibit has been an unforgettable experience. I was surprised by the amount of information. I learned so much about these incredible animals. It really made me appreciate these amazing creatures more and understand why it’s crucial to protect them.”
Flexible, convenient format
This 2D panel exhibition is provided in digital format and is intended to be displayed in a variety of sizes and configurations, from 200 to 250 linear feet. Materials include large-scale information graphics, image panels, photo arrays, captions, a Megalodon photo opportunity, and supplementary media.
Sharks is the latest title in AMNH’s range of 2D panel exhibitions, which offer easy delivery and installation with a size that can be adapted to various layouts.
The North Museum of Nature and Science in Pennsylvania, US is now displaying a 2D panel show version of Dinosaurs Among Us, which has been extremely popular with audiences of all ages. The exhibition investigates the fossil evidence that modern birds descended from a group of dinosaurs, and so creates a compelling link to the distant past.
BIOPARC Aquarium of Gijón’s presentation of Sharks follows its earlier showing of AMNH 2D panel exhibition Opulent Oceans.
Alejandro Beneit, director of the BIOPARC Aquarium of Gijón, says: “The Sharks exhibit is a milestone for our aquarium, offering visitors a deep and educational insight into the lives of these marine predators. Joint efforts for the second time, after Opulent Oceans, with the American Museum of Natural History has been a privilege, and together we hope to inspire greater awareness and action in the conservation of our oceans.
Recently, Fundación La Caixa and the American Museum of Natural History in New York have signed a collaboration agreement to tour original scientific exhibitions created by the “la Caixa” Foundation including Mirrors and Talking Brains across Europe, with sales support from AMNH’s department of Global Business Development.
Top image: Sharks at St. Louis Aquarium, courtesy Photo Team, St. Louis Aquarium
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