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Skin: Living Armor, Evolving Identity

Through June 1, 2026

Sponsored by

transparent health partners and h b fuller company foundation logos

Level 4

Skin: Living Armor, Evolving Identity uncovers the uniquely complex organ that protects humans and animals: skin. Featuring a range of specimen collections and interactive experiences, the exhibit explores the shape-shifting and color-changing nature of skin and the technology and innovations it inspires. 

Exhibit Highlights

  • See dozens of scientific specimens that showcase the impressive adaptive properties of skin in animals — including armored scales, aerodynamic feathers, and insulating fur
  • Investigate the layers of meaning humans have associated with skin color throughout history and how our social and political climate has influenced shifting ideas of race and culture in our modern world
  • Visit the Sensation Station for a hands-on lesson in how skin responds to tactile sensations like temperature, texture, vibration, and pressure.
  • Through interactive maps, historical artifacts, and exquisite dioramas, see how humans have used skin color as a basis for bias for millennia — and how understanding the origins and persistence of racism can help us build a more equitable, just future.
a visitor touches the texture wall in the skin exhibit.
Two frogs on a rock/cave backdrop in a display case at the museum's Skin: Living Armor, Evolving Identity exhibit.
A backdrop of portraits of a group of people as part of an installation at the museum's Skin: Living Armor, Evolving Identity exhibit.