Science Museum exhibit explores race, identity and nature
At first glance, skin might seem like a simple surface: something we see in the mirror, cover with clothing, or protect with sunscreen. But a new exhibit at the Science Museum of Minnesota invites visitors to go deeper. “Skin: Living Armor, Evolving Identity,” which opened October 3, explores skin as both a biological marvel and a powerful social symbol, pushing visitors to reflect on how something so universal can also be so divisive.
“This is actually my favorite traveling exhibit we’ve had since I started here,” said Dr. Catherine Early, the Barbara Brown Chair of Ornithology at the Science Museum. “It’s incredibly rich, scientifically and socially.”
The exhibit is filled with rare animal specimens, interactive displays, and vivid visuals that highlight how skin has evolved across species. Visitors will encounter everything from the aerodynamic feathers of birds to the armored scales of reptiles. In one highlight, the exhibit showcases the endangered black rhinoceros, whose thick hide and keratin horn offer physical protection, but not from poaching or habitat loss, the greatest threats to its survival.
While much of “Skin” centers on animals, it doesn’t shy away from asking difficult questions about humans, particularly about how skin color has been used to shape systems of identity, power and inequality. Dr. Early noted that while differences in skin tone have biological origins, the meanings we assign to those differences are not rooted in science.
“When I think about racism, so much of it is fueled by perceived differences,” she said. “But biologically, no, we’re not that different. Race is a social construct. You and I might look different, but in terms of human value, in terms of biology, we’re not fundamentally different.”
Melanin, the pigment responsible for the color of skin, hair, and even feathers in some animals, is central to this conversation. Every human has melanin, but its levels vary depending on genetic heritage and ancestral geography.
Populations who evolved closer to the equator typically developed more melanin to protect against UV radiation. Those from areas with less sun evolved to produce less melanin, not because one is better than the other, but because the body conserves energy by not producing what it doesn’t need.
“Everything our body makes takes energy,” Dr. Early explained. “If you don’t need extra melanin because you’re in a low-UV environment, your body won’t make as much. But that’s just adaptation, not hierarchy.”
The exhibit also connects biological skin function with the lived realities of modern life, including how environmental racism and pollution disproportionately affect communities of color. While skin does act as a barrier, it can absorb certain toxins, and even more vulnerable are the lungs and digestive systems, which process pollutants in water, air, and food. These exposures are often intensified in neighborhoods historically pushed close to industrial zones.
“I think it’s really important to be honest and upfront with the history of race,” Dr. Early said. “The exhibit even looks at how the definition of ‘person of color’ has changed in the U.S. over time, based on immigration patterns and political power. We can’t create solutions if we don’t understand that history.”
One of the exhibit’s quiet but powerful messages is the importance of helping young people see themselves in science, and in nature. Beyond complex topics like melanin, adaptation, or conservation, “Skin” also teaches kids how their bodies work. It covers how skin is formed, how we sense the world through touch, and why taking care of our skin is part of taking care of our whole selves.
“I hope it sparks wonder,” Dr. Early said. “Wonder about nature, about animals, but also a deeper understanding of their own bodies. And that can be a really empowering thing, especially for kids advocating for their health and future.”
As society continues to grapple with questions of identity, equity, and environmental justice, “Skin: Living Armor, Evolving Identity” offers a timely reminder: The same organ that divides us in society biologically connects us across species. It’s a living record of adaptation, resilience, and shared humanity.
The exhibit is now open at the Science Museum of Minnesota and is included with general admission. For more information, visit www.new.smm.org.
Jasmine McBride welcomes reader responses at jmcbride@spokesman-recorder.com