Discover Unseen Oceans through Pictures:
The Ocean Waves Projection
Exhibition guests are welcomed by a familiar sight: a projection of waves lapping at their feet and a vista of the water’s surface, inviting visitors to consider the oceans’ vast unknown depths. (©AMNH/D. Finnin)
Think of it as if you're walking to the beach and entering the water. As you walk in, you're submerging yourself deeper and deeper, from the sunlight surface to the deepest parts of the sea. You'll be exploring the mysterious species and organisms that live in the different levels of the ocean.
The Plankton Models
The oceans’ sunlit zone is inhabited by plankton, organisms that sustain nearly all marine life. Despite their small size, planktonic forms are remarkably diverse. Here, visitors inspect larger-than-life models of unusual and beautiful planktonic species. (©AMNH/R. Mickens)
The coolest part? Look up! The entire ceiling is covered in tiny, floating plankton. You're definitely underwater now.
The Plankton Match Game
Visitors try to match adults from a variety of marine species to their planktonic forms in a “Find My Baby Picture” game. (©AMNH/R. Mickens)
As you approach the hands-on modules, you'll see a picture of a grown animal and then you need to guess which of the plankton models matches that animal. Press the button and the correct answer will light up. You'll be surprised.
Floor-to-Ceiling Array of Biofluorescent Marine Species
Exhibition curator John Sparks and colleagues recently discovered the widespread incidence of biofluorescence—the phenomenon by which organisms absorb light, transform it, and emit it as a different color—among marine fishes. Here, visitors examine a floor-to-ceiling array of model fishes and turtles that are now known to biofluoresce. (©AMNH/R. Mickens)
The Underwater Camera Interactive
Visitors can discover some potential functions of fluorescence in the ocean and find out how a biofluorescent fish looks under different lighting and through the lens of specialized underwater cameras like the ones used by scientists. (©AMNH/R. Mickens)
Encountering Giants 180° Projection Screen
Visitors can stand side-by-side with some of the largest animals that inhabit our planet today in this section. The Projection Screen features a 180-degree, high-resolution screen where animations of blue whales, giant squid and manta rays swim by at true-to-life scales. (©AMNH/R. Mickens)
This is a great place to relax with the soothing sounds and imagery of marine animals. Parents love to sit here, take a break and enjoy watching the children play with the Schooling Fish floor projector. It's quiet time. Take it all in.
Hudson Model Canyon
With the use of sound waves, radar and lasers, scientists are beginning to construct extraordinarily detailed images of the seafloor. Here, guests examine a model of the Hudson Canyon, a spectacular underwater feature located 100 miles from New York City. (©AMNH/D. Finnin)
The wall panels are representations of our seawalls underwater. Can you believe we know more about space than our own oceans?
Immersive Submersible Theater
In an immersive submersible theater, exhibition visitors experience a thrilling, virtual ride from the ocean’s surface to the seafloor, encountering various species that inhabit each level of the water column. (©AMNH/D. Finnin)
Buckle up (not really)! We're going underwater. This theater makes you feel as if you're really going on a deep-ocean expedition. You'll see amazing animals, coral reefs and plankton. Would you ever dare to go in a real submarine? #INeedSomeAir
Triton Submersible Photo-Op
A partial replica of a Triton submersible provides a great photo opportunity for visitors with cameras at the ready. ©AMNH/D. Finnin
Don't miss this perfect social media spot! It's outside of the exhibition. Before you go, make sure you hop behind the wheel of this submersible replica and snap a photo. If you post it, hashtag #UnseenOceansDMNS. Toddlers love this one!
Digital Submersible Interactive
Visitors experience the thrill of marine exploration at digital interactive submersible stations as they navigate a virtual submersible around seamounts and make discoveries of their own. (©AMNH/D. Finnin)
Schooling Fish Interactive
An interactive digital media installation that features schooling fish that react to visitors’ movements in a simulation of marine protected areas: as a person approaches a group of fish, the fish “swim away” and begin to diminish in numbers until a few people join to make a protected area, where the fish will multiply. (©AMNH/D. Finnin)
I must say, this is pretty cool! You'll see schools of fish swimming all over the floor. As you can, you can scare them off and see them change directions. A lot of children love running around this area, as the parents watch them from the Gian Encounters lounge.
Submerge yourself in the mysterious and spectacular aquatic world in “Unseen Oceans.” This captivating exhibition will make you feel as if you’re on another planet! "Unseen Oceans" opens at the Museum Nov. 18.
“Unseen Oceans” is organized by the American Museum of Natural History, New York.