Newest exhibit at Royal Sask. Museum focuses on human impact on environment

REGINA — The Royal Saskatchewan Museum in Regina is home to several exhibits that showcase the province’s history through the eons, from dinosaurs to giant sea creatures to moose to human beings. 

The most recent exhibit at the RSM is a new gallery called “Home: Life in the Anthropocene.” This gallery highlights the relationship between people and the environment and the benefits nature provides.

“This is an exciting moment for the Royal Saskatchewan Museum,” said MLA Laura Ross, minister for Parks, Culture and Sport. “We are thrilled to have a new attraction that will draw visitors to our province from far and wide. As Saskatchewan’s provincial museum, the RSM continues to offer new, world-class experiences to its visitors.”  

Human activity has affected the planet’s climate and ecosystem during the most recent geological period called the Anthropocene. The gallery provides a dramatic, artistic and educational experience for all ages about climate, biodiversity, species at risk and other global trends.

Curated by the RSM’s Dr. Glenn Sutter and designed by the RSM’s John Snell, the Home gallery explores various issues that Saskatchewan and the rest of the world face. Focusing on species at risk, climate effects, and other important issues represents an exciting new chapter for visitors and programs at the RSM.

“This new gallery was made possible by the skill and hard work of RSM scientists, educators, artists, designers, exhibits staff, and many construction crews,” Ross said. “It was funded by the province and through donations from the public.”
  
Visitors to the gallery will be able to:

• See how humanity is leaving its mark on the geological record
• Get close to species currently at risk in the province
• Watch video displays that show how Saskatchewan is connected to global issues
• Learn different ways we can connect with nature, especially through music

The exhibit is divided into four major areas:

• What is the Anthropocene? Learn how humans affect the world, current environmental trends, Saskatchewan’s endangered species and what the future might look like
• Human impacts: How does Saskatchewan fit into the world? Through an immersive experience, with data from NASA and NOAA and using the exclusive Science on a Sphere floating globe system, find out how humans fit in and what people can do to address topics like biodiversity, climate, resources, agriculture, and health
• Going global: Walk through an urban back alley to discover how the issues humans face today were created and what effects they are having on society
• A natural solution: Nature has limits, but it also has healing powers and can be cyclical. Join in a celebration of nature through song and artistry and discover solutions to create a better future

“The Friends of the Royal Saskatchewan Museum is very excited about the new Home Gallery,” said Andrea Johnson, board president of the Friends of the Royal Saskatchewan Museum. “We want to thank the many individuals, families, organizations and associations who have supported the Friends over the years. These donations allow the Friends to support RSM programs and services, including the development of this exciting new gallery.”  

For more info, call 306-787-2815, visit royalsaskmuseum.ca, or check out the museum’s social media pages.