Natural History Museum of Utah's New Exhibit, Nature' Ultimate Machines

Jaws that crush over 8,000 pounds, ears that act as an air conditioner, veins that pump to crazy heights – these are just a few marvels of natural engineering. Discover how plants and animals have developed specialized ways of adapting to the world at Nature’s Ultimate Machines, opening February 10, 2018 at the Natural History Museum of Utah, Rio Tinto Center, 301 Wakara Way, University of Utah.

Every living thing is built from the inside out to move, adapt and survive. Nature’s Ultimate Machines dives deep into the remarkable inner workings of plants and animals and offers a unique perspective into how they use natural devices finely-tuned for every imaginable situation. The exhibit features real specimens, interactive displays and scale models, including a life-size giraffe. More than 130 specimens, replicas, videos, interactive displays and biomimicry innovations are on display to illustrate the great diversity of biological designs. The new immersive exhibit also is bilingual and offers all components in Spanish.

“If you’ve ever wondered why a woodpecker never gets a headache or how fleas can jump so high, Nature’s Ultimate Machine has the answers,” said Museum Executive Director Sarah George. “The entire exhibit is an exploration of how living things work on the inside and even explores where scientists get their inspiration to create prosthetic limbs. We’re proud to welcome such an intriguing and educational exhibit.”

When visiting Nature’s Ultimate Machines, guests will:

-        Feel how a giraffe’s heart works to pump blood up its long neck

-        Try to “fly” and study the ways creatures jump, gallop, slither and swim

-        See technological breakthroughs inspired by nature’s ingenuity like Velcro, wind turbines and chainsaws

-        Explore a larger-than-life termite mound and learn how its design is used in modern architecture

Special events and workshops related to the exhibit will be featured at the Natural History Museum of Utah through September 3, 2018. The Museum also features 10 permanent galleries for discovery including Past Worlds, Great Salt Lake, Native Voices, Land and much more. Entrance into Nature’s Ultimate Machines is included in the Museum’s price of general admission.

For additional information, visit: https://nhmu.utah.edu/ultimate

Nature’s Ultimate Machines was made possible by The Field Museum, Chicago, in partnership with the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, with generous support provided by the Searle Funds at The Chicago Community Trust and ITW. The exhibit is locally supported by Presenting Sponsor, Zions Bank, and Exhibit Sponsors: Emma Eccles Jones Foundations, Bing and Judy Fang, Janet Quinney Lawson Foundation and Meldrum Foundation.

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About the Natural History Museum of Utah

The Natural History Museum of Utah is a premier scientific research and cultural institution. It opened to the public in 1969 and moved into a spectacular, award winning new home in 2011. The Museum’s 30 scientists oversee active field research programs throughout Utah, and elsewhere, and help card for natural history collections of more 1.6 million objects. The Museum offers innovative exhibitions and educational programs to thousands of residents and visitors each year, including timely and interactive temporary and permanent exhibits, numerous special events and other programs. The Museum reaches 450,000 people annually, at the Rio Tinto Center and in communities and classrooms statewide.