「極地探險」Exploring the Poles 特展
一百年來,即使極地氣候惡劣不堪,仍無法阻擋冒險者前仆後繼地跨越180°緯度,來到這個「就像一本歷史書」的未知國度。「極地探險」特展將帶領觀眾跟隨過往探險家與現代科研的腳步,重返這片承載無數夢想與勇氣的雪白世界。展覽以極地原民的智慧與探險巨星的故事為起點,深入南北兩極截然不同的環境特性,看見臺灣與全球科學家如何在極寒孤立中探索地球運作的機制。觀眾不僅能認識多變的冰川型態,一窺「斯瓦爾巴全球種子庫」的極地方舟秘密,更能透過零距離的極光漫遊體驗,在黑暗中尋找希望之光。
然而,看似荒蕪卻蘊藏生機的極地,正遭遇氣候變遷的強烈衝擊。融化的不只是冰,更是生態崩潰的倒數 。消逝的冰川是大自然留下的思考題,生態臨界點則是提醒我們反思的紅線 。面對未來,正如珍·古德女爵士所言:「唯有了解,才會關心;唯有行動,生命才有希望」,我們的每一次關注與改變,都是守護地球家園的關鍵力量。
~踏上極境,反思當下,選擇我們共同的未來。
For a century, harsh climates and unforgiving environments have never stopped generations of adventurers from crossing 180 degrees of latitude to explore these unknown lands, which are “like a book of history.”
The "Exploring the Poles" special exhibition at NMMST invites visitors to follow in the footsteps of past explorers and modern scientists, returning to a snow-white world shaped by countless dreams and acts of courage. Starting with the wisdom of Indigenous peoples and the stories of great polar explorers, the exhibition dives into the completely different environmental features of the Arctic and Antarctic. Here, you will discover how scientists from Taiwan and across the globe brave extreme cold and isolation to understand how our planet works. Visitors will not only learn about the many faces of ice and uncover the secrets of the "Polar Ark"—the Svalbard Global Seed Vault—but also enjoy an up-close aurora experience, finding a light of hope in the darkness.
However, these seemingly barren polar lands are in fact full of life, and they are currently facing the severe impacts of climate change. More than ice is melting; it is a polar countdown to ecological collapse. The disappearing glaciers are questions left by nature for us to answer, while the ecological tipping point is a red line reminding us to stop and reflect. Facing the future, as Dame Jane Goodall said: "Only if we understand, can we care. Only if we care, will we help. Only if we help, shall all be saved." Every act of attention and every change we make are vital forces in protecting our shared home.
~Journey to the extreme, reflect on the present, and choose our shared future.