General Info
Free with paid admission
NHM is home to 35 million objects . . . and counting! Each holds valuable information about the world around us that we can explore together through science, history, and art. Opening alongside the new NHM Commons, Collective Knowledge from Our Changing World invites visitors to take a fresh look at NHM’s collections through the lens of photographer Craig Cutler. Twelve large-scale photographs bring objects and specimens to life, and behind-the-scenes stories highlight some of the incredible research taking place every day. Collective Knowledge encourages visitors to explore NHM’s collections further and inspires them to imagine what more we might discover in the future.
ALONG THE WAY, YOU'LL SEE:
- 12 large-scale photographs of collections objects, representing 10 of NHM’s research collections.
Many of these objects have never been displayed before now. - 2 sets of objects in display cases, positioned near their respective photographs. The objects
include:- The first—and only known—fossil of Olympicetus thalassodon, an ancient species of
toothed whale. - A display of nearly 100 brightly colored Cuban painted snail shells, which demonstrate
the incredible variation that can occur within a single species.
- The first—and only known—fossil of Olympicetus thalassodon, an ancient species of
- A high-definition, panoramic media piece showcasing the dynamic nature of NHM’s collections.
Featured objects are constantly changing, creating a fluid and mesmerizing field of view.
What is unique about this exhibition?
NHM collaborated with CutlerBremner, the creative team led by photographer Craig Cutler, to photograph objects from NHM’s collections—many of which have never been displayed before now. Cutler’s dynamic images play with color, scale, and perspective to present collections objects in new and exciting ways. The exhibition merges art with scientific, historical, and community-based research to reveal new stories about the collections, and what they can tell us about our rapidly changing world.
About CutlerBremner and Craig Cutler
CutlerBremner is the creative team of Craig Cutler (Photographer/Director) and Scott Bremner (Creative Director). Craig Cutler and Scott Bremner bring artful combinations of craft and style to their work with both still and moving images. Cutler’s work has been featured in Scientific American, the New York Times Magazine, and the Washington Post Magazine. His stunning photos recorded Gnatalie’s journey from ground to mount in the August 2024 issue of National Geographic.
Continue the story of Collective Knowledge at NHM
Collective Knowledge builds on the theme of the new NHM Commons, “Discovering Together,” to highlight ways in which NHM staff and community partners come together to explore our collections through science, history, and art.
