North Pole, Global Warming, and the Future of the Earth on Display in Bologna

The Arctic is undergoing climate change faster than any other region on Earth, with devastating consequences on its ecosystem. The changes in the formation and extent of sea ice, the retreat of terrestrial glaciers, and the thawing of permafrost have significant economic, social, and geopolitical repercussions worldwide. This vast natural laboratory is the focus of the “The Arctic. An Interactive Journey to the North Pole”, a free exhibition running from 16 January to 2 March 2025 at the Civic Archaeological Museum of Bologna.

Designed and organised by the National Research Council of Italy (CNR), the Department of Earth System Science and Environmental Technologies (CNR-DSSTTA), the Institute of Polar Sciences (CNR-ISP), the Research Institute on Terrestrial Ecosystems (CNR-IRET), and the Institute for Educational Technology (CNR-ITD), in collaboration with the University of Bologna, the exhibition is suitable for all ages, especially school groups.

It features physical and multimedia installations, interactive experiments, scientific equipment, scale models, documents, objects and evocative images that will guide visitors on a journey to the Arctic and demonstrate the immense impact of global warming.

Visitors will begin their journey by learning about the geographical characteristics of the Arctic, the mechanisms that regulate the distribution of energy on the planet and their effects on the polar regions. The exhibition also explores phenomena such as the northern lights, the midnight sun, and ozone depletion (commonly referred to as the “ozone hole”).

It then focuses on Italy’s major research activities in the Arctic, particularly in Ny-Ålesund on the Svalbard Islands, where the CNR manages the “Dirigibile Italia” research station. Additionally, it provides insight into the organisational structure of international bodies that oversee scientific and policy programmes in the Arctic, in which Italy plays an active role.

Eight student interns from the University of Bologna will guide visitors through the exhibition, which is open to visitors free of charge from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. (closed Tuesdays), and on holidays from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Booking is mandatory for schools and groups.

A programme of side events, activities, and workshops organised by LeoScienza will offer further insights, supported by the CNR, the Civic Museum, and INAF, the European Researchers’ Night – SOCIETY project, the Regional School Office, the University of Bologna, the Emilia-Romagna Region, and the Metropolitan City of Bologna.

For further information.