Skin color shapes history, says new Minnesota exhibit

In the Science Museum of Minnesota, located in St. Paul, a new exhibit focusing on skin has been launched. This exhibit, which highlights both the fascinating and complex attributes of skin across different species, aims to educate visitors on the significance of the human skin, often referred to as the body's largest organ. Caillean Kapoor, the museum's visitor experience manager, emphasizes that the exhibit invites exploration and curiosity about not only how skin functions but also its implications for survival and identity across species. The exhibit features a variety of specimens, ranging from birds with feathers to reptiles with protective armor, each adapted uniquely to their environments. One striking feature of the exhibit is its emphasis on the vulnerability of various species. For example, the black rhinoceros, which is on display and well-known for its thick hide and keratin horn, symbolizes not just adaptation but also the fragile state of its existence due to poaching. Kapoor stresses the urgency of conservation, noting that ongoing environmental changes, driven by factors such as climate change and habitat loss, can render specific adaptations useless or even detrimental, accelerating the risk of extinction for many species. Additionally, the exhibit delves into the microscopic world, offering a look into organisms like face mites that reside on human skin, providing an intriguing insight into our own biology. The exhibit aims to bridge the gap between visible and invisible aspects of life forms, encouraging visitors to contemplate the incredible diversity of interactions and dependencies within ecosystems. Towards its conclusion, the exhibit thoughtfully addresses the historical context of skin color. Kapoor highlights that the last segment addresses how skin color has influenced human interactions, resulted in divisions, and often facilitated discrimination without any scientific justification. This aspect of the exhibit lightly ties itself to the neighboring 'Race: Are We So Different?' presentation, underlining the continuous relevance and impact of these discussions in our society. Through this multifaceted approach, the exhibit invites visitors to reflect on survival, identity, and the unseen elements that influence our existence and interactions.