SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — The Natural History Museum of Utah has opened its new permanent exhibit A Climate Of Hope, the first new permanent exhibit NHMU has created since it moved to its current location at the Rio Tinto Center 12 years ago.

A Climate of Hope looks at Utah’s changing climate and how Utahns are already taking action to face the challenges and work toward a healthy, prosperous, low-carbon future.

Ribbon-cutting at Natural History Museum of Utah

National Science Foundation gives $1 million grant to museum related to new exhibit

A $1 million grant from the National Science Foundation allows the museum to perform a four-year study to discover what people understand about climate change after visiting different parts of the exhibit and to possibly adjust some exhibits in the future. The results of the study are meant to help other museums install exhibits that work.

Goal of A Climate Of Hope

A Climate Of Hope is meant to highlight how small changes can affect the climate, where alternative energy options already exist in the state, and inspire hope that the future is not yet decided. The exhibit includes interactive displays as well as video reports by community members, who have already experienced changes and share how they are dealing with those changes.

How to focus on solutions

Lisa Thompson cut the ribbon at the grand opening. As the museum’s senior exhibit developer, she oversaw the creation of A Climate Of Hope. It took about three years to design and create the exhibit. which focuses on potential solutions such as a map showing where different alternative energy solutions would work throughout the state of Utah. New solutions could be added as people discover them.

Where to see the exhibit

A Climate Of Hope is located on the top floor of the Natural History Museum of Utah at 301 Wakara Way in Salt Lake City. The Rio Tinto Center was designed with sustainability in mind. You can see its solar photovoltaic panels on the rooftops. Many other green elements are less obvious throughout the design, construction and operations of the building.

The NHMU is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended hours until 9 p.m. on Wednesdays.