The Polar Ice Museum
An immersive display at the Imaging Research Center!
The Imaging Research Center (IRC) presents The Polar Ice Museum, a series of artworks and immersive, data-driven installations that transform polar data into meaningful public engagement experiences on sea level, climate, and related environmental issues. The Polar Ice Museum will be open April 30 through May 2, with an Opening Reception on Thursday, April 30, from 4 to 6 p.m.
Led by the IRC in collaboration with UMBC’s iHARP (Institute for Harnessing Data and Model Revolution in the Polar Regions), with support from the National Science Foundation, the project draws on climate data from NASA and research conducted in Greenland. Visitors encounter a wall of videos depicting an ice cave and are invited to participate by altering visualizations of glaciers and sea-level change, both within the polar ice cave and at a South Baltimore landmark affected by flooding. Water-filled relief sculptures, interactive sound objects, VR climate games, and relevant information will all be on display.
At the center of the installation is a floating white circular table that features a 3D relief. As dark water fills the relief, it gradually reveals a photographic image of Speed’s Barber & Beauty salon in South Baltimore’s Turners Station neighborhood. This 50-year-old business is part of a community already affected by rising sea levels and is expected to face severe flooding by 2050. By linking polar ice science to a specific local site, The Polar Ice Museum transforms distant climate data into an intimate, place-based experience with urgent consequences.
Visitor information
Open house reception: Thursday, April 30, 4 to 6 p.m.
Additional hours: Friday, May 1, 10–4 p.m., and Saturday, May 2, 11 to 4 p.m.
Admission is free.
The Imaging Research Center is located on the ground floor of the Information Technology & Engineering Building (IT/E), room 108.