Springfield Museums, Exhibit Opening Celebration: Under the Arctic

Be among the first to experience of newest exhibit, where you can dig into the impacts of climate change! Free with museum admission.

The Exhibition
Under the Arctic: Digging into Permafrost, 10 am-5 pm
Step into the shoes of a climate science researcher, piece together clues, and solve engineering challenges posed by thawing permafrost in this an interactive exhibit, featuring the sights and smells of the Western Hemisphere’s only permafrost research tunnel. (Changing Exhibit Gallery, Second Floor, Springfield Science Museum)
Exhibit produced and toured by the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry; developed in collaboration with the Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and made possible by a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant.
Featured Activities
Under the Microscope, 11 am-3 pm
As the permafrost melts it releases millions of new microbes that have been trapped for many thousands of years, and never seen by modern humans! Before you visit the permafrost, learn how to collect microbes and create your own slide to view under a microscope. (Discovery Lab, Lower Level)
A Frozen Scavenger Hunt, 11 am-3 pm
Investigate our two art museums to uncover our cold weather collections item. Take your completed scavenger hunt to the Art Discovery Center to claim a free Frozen book (while supplies last). (D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts and GWV Smith Art Museum)
Permafrost Tunnel Tour, 11 am-3 pm
Take a tour through our special exhibit to gain a deeper understanding of the microbes and fossils that exist in the permafrost. Tours begin on the hour. (Changing Exhibit Gallery, Second Floor, Springfield Science Museum)
Yupik Headbands, 12-4 pm
The Yupik people are indigenous to southwestern Alaska and live in or near areas of the permafrost. Headbands are part of the ceremonial headdress worn by Yupik men and women. Learn about the designing process of the patterns of their headbands by making your own. (Art Discovery Center, Second Floor. GWV Smith Art Museum)