New Exhibition at Canadian Museum of Nature Reveals What the People, Wildlife and Changing Environment Tell Us About the Arctic

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Dec. 3, 2014) - Journey to a fascinating and changing region in an all-new exhibition, Arctic Voices, opening at the Canadian Museum of Nature (CMN) on December 5, 2014. Coproduced with Science North in Sudbury, this engaging show challenges people's perceptions about the Arctic. It runs until May 3, 2015.

Arctic Voices uses interactive experiences, photos, videos and real specimens to convey that the Arctic is more than just snow and ice. It is home to people and a surprising diversity of wildlife. It is a place of rapid change being studied and monitored by scientists. Its environment is highly sensitive to the effects of climate change, which in turn, has an impact on the whole planet.

"Arctic Voices presents the environmental, scientific and cultural value of the Arctic, with prime examples drawn from the Canadian Museum of Nature's expertise in Arctic research and exploration," says Meg Beckel, the museum's President and CEO. "It is the forerunner of a new, permanent Arctic gallery opening at our Museum in 2017 in celebration of Canada's 150^th anniversary. We are pleased to present this important travelling exhibition in collaboration with Science North."

"Arctic Voices is the 10^th travelling exhibition produced by Science North and we are thrilled to have been able to work in partnership with the Canadian Museum of Nature to create it," states Guy Labine, Science North CEO. "Arctic Voices explores the unique nature of the Earth's Arctic region, the science being undertaken there, and how this region is an indicator of climate change on our planet. Visitors will examine specimens and test their knowledge of Arctic whales and other animals, observe the amazing adaptations of Arctic plant species and more."

Arctic Voices shows how we are all connected to the Arctic. Visitors will discover a colourful land that's actually closer to their own backyard than they might think. The voices of the people who inhabit this region are an integral part of this exhibition, as they share their knowledge about the land and their unique culture.

Real specimens, such as a polar bear, animal skulls, and plants, from the Canadian Museum of Nature's world-class natural history collections are featured. Arctic Voices also introduces visitors to the museum's scientists and the research they are undertaking to understand the Arctic's biodiversity. The many interactive components of the show mean there is something for visitors of all ages to enjoy. They can travel with scientists as they catch and tag Arctic whales, and then go on a "garden tour" to see how plants have adapted to survive and thrive in this harsh environment. They can even test their own voice at throat singing, a traditional Inuit art that is influencing the modern arts. Children can discover animal life in the Arctic by pouncing, hopping and crawling their way through a variety of fun activities. There will also be two touch tables with polar bear, muskox and seal fur; muskox horns, and lichen.

As a special highlight from the Museum's collections, 200-year-old plant specimens from Sir John Franklin's 1819-1822 expedition will be on display, as well as a rare book of his first-edition account of this voyage. Visitors will also be able to see 15 artefacts from the crew of Franklin's last and ill-fated expedition.

Following its run at the Canadian Museum of Nature, Arctic Voices will travel to science centres and museums across Canada and the United States.

Admission to Arctic Voices is through a $4 surcharge above general museum admission. The museum is located at 240 McLeod St. Follow the museum on Twitter (@museumofnature) or Facebook.

About the Museum

The Canadian Museum of Nature is Canada's national museum of natural history and natural sciences. The museum provides evidence-based insights, inspiring experiences and meaningful engagement with nature's past, present and future. It achieves this through scientific research, a 10.5 million specimen collection, education programs, signature and travelling exhibitions, and a dynamic web site, www.nature.ca.