Exhibits at the National center for atmospheric research

NCAR's many exhibits serve to enhance public understanding of science and technology, as well as NCAR's important work and place in the national scientific community. They are designed to empower learners, promote discovery, and encourage hands-on, minds-on exploration for diverse populations and age groups.

Experience our newest exhibit that highlights the architecture of the NCAR Mesa Laboratory. At the exhibit's center is the original architectural model, which was donated to UCAR by the world-renowned architect, I.M. Pei. NCAR’s Mesa Laboratory: Creating an Architectural Masterpiece opened in June 2009 as a permanent exhibit due to the international interest in the building as one of the earliest accomplishments in Pei's long and prestigious career. Created with support from the Friends of UCAR fund, the exhibit details the history and design of this international architectural landmark.

Explore Earth's past and present climate and contemplate future climate scenarios as you move through time in our Climate Discovery exhibit. Three interactive and multimedia galleries detail a significant part of the climate and climate change story. Climate Now describes the Sun-Earth connection and all of the natural processes that interact to create weather and climate. Climate Past demonstrates with the use of artifacts what we have learned about Earth's history from natural recorders in rock, ice, trees and more. And, Climate Future features current climate research, climate models, predictions about our Earth’s future, and scenarios for what can be done to change these outcomes.

Visiting Exhibit

From time to time, NCAR hosts visiting exhibits. Currently, no visiting exhibits are scheduled, however, visitors are encouraged to visit the NCAR Art Gallery I and II, with works of art changing monthly.

Other Attractions

• Hands-on exhibits in our Weather Gallery
• Timely science videos in the NCAR theater such as Connections -- a short overview about NCAR.
• Supercomputers and scientific visualization tools.
  
• The Walter Orr Roberts Weather Trail, conveniently located just to the west of the building.
  
• Art exhibitions from regional artists in Art Gallery's I and II, which change on a monthly basis.