The National Folk Museum of Korea has unveiled its new permanent exhibition, Starry Starry Night! (총총! 별이 빛나는 밤), at its Children’s Museum. Running from October 30, 2024, to August 30, 2026, the exhibition invites young visitors to reconnect with the natural beauty of the night sky, a sight often obscured by the urban glow of modern cities. This immersive experience encourages children to reflect on the importance of darkness and the ecological balance it nurtures, offering a rare opportunity to explore the nocturnal world through both contemporary and historical lenses.
Designed with care, the exhibition takes visitors on a journey to understand the detrimental effects of light pollution. Through stories of wildlife struggling to adapt, such as orioles singing out of season, lost sea turtle hatchlings, and moths disoriented by artificial lights, the exhibit raises awareness about the far-reaching consequences of humanity’s excessive use of artificial illumination. The plight of fireflies, once common but now nearly vanished, and the dangers of roadkill involving deer and stray cats, are poignant reminders of the fragile relationship between nature and modernity.
Historical elements weave a narrative of how our ancestors embraced the night. Visitors can explore tools like oil lamps and candles that illuminated the dark before the advent of electric lights. Exhibits showcasing night streets of the past transport audiences to a time when the moon and stars were primary sources of light, guiding travelers and inspiring poets. This contrast highlights how, while convenient, artificial lights have distanced us from the earth's natural rhythms.
The exhibition spans five thematic zones, encompassing 16 sub-themes, each offering interactive and educational experiences. Children can witness the beauty of stars as our ancestors saw them, learn about migratory birds that now navigate by building lights instead of moonlight, and understand how untimely blooming flowers signal ecological disruption. These hands-on activities aim to instill in children a sense of wonder and responsibility for the environment.
One of the exhibition’s key messages is the value of small, meaningful actions. Everyone can take steps to turn off unnecessary lights and conserve energy to mitigate light pollution. Through this, children learn that protecting nature is not just the responsibility of governments or scientists but a collective effort that starts at home.
Visitors are encouraged to make reservations in advance through the Children’s Museum website (www.nfm.go.kr/kids). Admission is free, making this a valuable and accessible experience for families seeking to inspire curiosity and environmental stewardship in their children.
This exhibition is not merely about looking at stars; it is about rediscovering the night, appreciating its beauty, and understanding its role in sustaining life on Earth. In doing so, Starry Starry Night! offers an illuminating perspective on the relationship between humanity and nature, urging us to turn off the lights and look up at the stars.
Sayart / Nao Yim, yimnao@naver.com
