Orcas Come to Utah in NHMU’s Latest Special Exhibition

Orcas: Our Shared Future Dives into the Hidden Lives of the Oceans’ Apex Predator 

SALT LAKE CITY, September 30, 2024 – The Natural History Museum of Utah (NHMU) has announced their latest special exhibition, Orcas: Our Shared Future, set to open its doors on Saturday, October 19, 2024. This immense and interactive museum experience will take visitors into the underwater world of orcas to shed light on their complex societies and examine their appearance in ecological activism, popular culture and Indigenous beliefs.   

Exhibition photo of Orcas: Our Shared Future MuseumsPartner

With life-size replicas, fossils, films, objects from popular culture, and original artwork from Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest, this exhibition offers a nuanced understanding of the complex lives and ecosystems of orcas, moving away from their outdated reputation as “killer whales.” Through engaging displays and thought-provoking narratives, visitors will witness the evolution of public perception and activists’ growing drive for conservation. 

"Orcas is a celebration of these sophisticated mammals that have long captivated humans," said Tim Lee, director of exhibits at NHMU. "Through science, activism, culture, and the sharing of Indigenous beliefs, visitors will gain a deeper understanding of the role orcas play as apex predators in the ocean and in the lives of Indigenous communities." 

Exhibition photo of Orcas: Our Shared Future MuseumPartner

Exploring the profound relationship between orcas and Indigenous peoples is one of the exhibition's key highlights. By emphasizing the spiritual and cultural

 significance of orcas in Indigenous art, stories, and traditions, visitors will gain a newfound appreciation for the enduring bond between humans and these remarkable animals.  

The exhibition also delves into the influence of orcas in films, documentaries, and media, examining how their portrayals have shaped public understanding and sparked conservation efforts. 

For more information about the exhibition, please visit nhmu.utah.edu/orcas. 

Exhibition photo of Orcas: Our Shared Future MuseumPartner

Interview Opportunities

• Dr. Jason Cryan, Sarah B. George Executive Director, Natural History Museum of Utah
• Tim Lee, director of exhibits, Natural History Museum of Utah

About the Natural History Museum of Utah   

The Natural History Museum of Utah is one of the leading scientific research and cultural institutions in the country. Established in 1963, the museum’s 10 permanent exhibitions are anchored by its state-of-the-art collections and research facilities containing almost 2 million objects. These collections are used in studies on geological, biological, and cultural diversity, and the history of living systems and human cultures within the Utah region. The museum hosts approximately 300,000 general visitors a year and provides one of the most spectacular private event settings in the Salt Lake City area. NHMU also broadens the reach of its mission through a variety of science-based outreach programs to communities and schools throughout Utah, reaching every school district in the state every other year.