The Climate Museum is a nonprofit organization in New York City and the first museum dedicated to climate change and climate solutions in the United States. Its mission is "to inspire action on the climate crisis with programming across the arts and sciences that deepens understanding, builds connections, and advances just solutions.” The Climate Museum does not have a permanent location, but has continued to present exhibitions and programs across New York City since its inception.
The Climate Museum’s first exhibition, In Human Time, was presented at the Sheila C. Johnson Design Center at Parsons School of Design, The New School from December 2017 to February 2018. It explored intersections of polar ice, humanity, and time through installations of work by artists Zaria Forman and Peggy Weil. In September 2018, the Climate Museum launched the citywide, outdoor public art installation Climate Signals by Justin Brice Guariglia. This installation ran through November 2018 and consisted of 10 solar-powered highway signs in New York City parks across all five boroughs, programmed to flash messages about climate in five languages at passersby. It was presented in partnership with the NYC Mayor’s Office Climate Policy and Programs. The exhibition received press attention. From September 2018 to October 2018, the Climate Museum operated its first temporary space on Governors Island at the Admiral’s House. The space included the exhibition Climate Changers of New York, a portrait exhibition by David Noles presented in partnership with the , and a digital interactive activity, “Create Your Own Climate Signal.” Throughout Fall 2018, the Climate Museum offered programming in the arts, science education, community engagement, as well as screenings, panels and talks. From March to June 2019, in partnership with the NYC Department of Education's Office of Sustainability, the Climate Museum offered a citywide spoken word program for high school students called Climate Speaks, a series of workshops and rehearsals dedicated to the climate crisis that culminated in a final performance at the Apollo Theater on June 14, 2019. Taking Action was the Climate Museum’s second exhibition on Governors Island and ran from June to October 2019. Through interactive installations and on-site guidance, visitors were invited to learn about clean energy and other mitigation strategies, and the obstacles in transition to a carbon-free economy and culture. The Climate Museum is part of the Museums and Climate Change Working Group, a coalition of museums around the world working to incorporate climate change into their exhibitions and programming.
Exhibitions
In Human Time
The Climate Museum’s first exhibition, In Human Time, was presented at the Sheila C. Johnson Design Center at Parsons School of Design, The New School from December 2017 to February 2018. It addressed polar ice loss through installations of work by artists Zaria Forman and Peggy Weil.
Climate Signals
In September 2018, the Climate Museum presented a citywide, outdoor public art installation, Climate Signals by Justin Brice Guariglia. This installation ran through November 2018 and consisted of 10 solar-powered highway signs in New York City parks in five boroughs, programmed to flash messages about climate in five languages at passersby. It was presented in partnership with the NYC Mayor’s Office Climate Policy and Programs.
The Climate Museum Hub
From September 2018 to October 2018, the Climate Museum operated its first temporary space on Governors Island at the Admiral’s House. The space included the exhibition Climate Changers of New York, a portrait exhibition by David Noles presented in partnership with the NYC Climate Action Alliance, and a digital interactive activity, “Create Your Own Climate Signal.” Throughout Fall 2018, the Climate Museum offered programming in the arts, science education, community engagement, as well as screenings, panels and talks.
Taking Action
Taking Action was the Climate Museum’s second exhibition on Governors Island and ran from June to October 2019. Through interactive installations and on-site guidance, visitors were presented with information about clean energy and other mitigation strategies, as well as the obstacles to societal transition to a carbon-free economy and culture. The exhibition also included options for taking climate action in concert with other visitors. A series of events including panels and workshops took place throughout the exhibition. During summer months, the exhibition was staffed by high school docents.
Programs
Climate Speaks
Climate Speaks is the Climate Museum’s annual citywide youth arts program presented in partnership with the NYC Department of Education's Office of Sustainability. Climate Speaks includes workshops on climate and creative writing for high school students. The 2019 program ended with a final performance at the Apollo Theater on June 14, 2019. The 2020 program is currently ongoing.
Additional programs
The Climate Museum hosts public pop-up programs and events that incorporate arts, science education, and community engagement.
