The Power of Poison

In a walkthrough diorama of a rainforest, a spider and red plant are magnified 3x larger than life D. Finnin/© AMNH
Explore the biology of poison and its paradoxical roles in nature, legend, history, and human health.

Whether as a defense against predators, a source of magical strength, a lethal weapon, or a lifesaving medical treatment, the story of poison is surprising at every turn.

Exhibition topics include:

  • The science of poisons, toxins, and venoms
  • Coevolution
  • Toxins as medicine
  • Forensic science
  • Stories of poison from legend, literature, and popular culture
  • Historical villains and victims

Highlights

This popular traveling exhibition features theatrical dioramas, models, objects, interactive modules, optional live animals, and engaging media presentations. 

Wander through an immersive diorama of Colombia’s Chocó Forest, turn the virtual pages of an "enchanted" book to learn about toxic plants, investigate evidence to solve poisoning mysteries at digital interactive stations, and hear dramatic stories of poisonings and forensic detection in a theater presentation.

A walkthrough diorama recreates a rainforest environment and includes displays of a large spider, various plants, a yellow snake, and butterflies
Encounter venomous animals and toxic plants as you wander through an immersive recreation of a remote Colombian forest, where poisons are just one of many tools in organisms’ struggles to survive. 
D. Finnin/© AMNH
Children using iPads surround a digital monitor showing an animated dog asleep in a garden.
Put your detective skills to the test while solving three puzzling cases of accidental poisonings.
D. Finnin/© AMNH
A life-size diorama shows a model of Snow White sleeping in a glass coffin in a forest
Countless fairy tales and legends from around the world include tales of illness, enchantment, and death caused by poisons.
R. Mickens/© AMNH
Three girls look at a top hat displayed in front of a diorama of the Mad Hatter's tea party from Alice in Wonderland
Discover which familiar tales of illness, enchantment, or death by poison contain elements of truth, including the Mad Hatter character in Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.
D. Finnin/© AMNH
Visitors walk through graphic cut-out displays of famous figures from history including Napoleon and Cleopatra
Explore some of history’s most intriguing cases – many of which remain puzzling today.
R. Mickens/© AMNH
A diorama of three witches surround a glowing green cauldron
This life-size diorama re-creates a famous scene in William Shakespeare’s Macbeth that features a trio of witches dropping gruesome ingredients into a boiling cauldron. 
D. Finnin/© AMNH
Seven children surround an enormous book illuminated with botanical illustrations
To unlock this enchanted book’s mysteries, flip the pages to explore each plant’s anatomy and reveal animated clues about its history.
R. Mickens/© AMNH
Two children look at clownfish and corals in an aquarium tank illuminated by blue light
Plant toxins and animal venoms have been used in treatments for medical conditions ranging from coughing to cancer. Find out how studying poison’s effects helps scientists figure out how to protect, repair, and heal human cells.
D. Finnin/© AMNH

Key Questions

  • What is poison?
  • Where are poisons found?
  • How do poisons work?
  • What is the history of poisons in society?
  • How do we use poisons for good?

 

Reviews

"...one of the most theatrical exhibitions the museum has mounted."
− The New York Times

"...exquisitely designed." 
− Gizmodo

"...thoroughly modern." 
− Fast Company

 

Request More Information

Contact us to request availability for hosting this traveling exhibition. 

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Cover of the educator's guide to the exhibition The Power of Poison, including images of a snake, passionflower, drops of mercury, and witches at a cauldron

Educator’s Guide

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The Power of Poison is organized by the American Museum of Natural History, New York (amnh.org).