The Faces of Ice exhibition officially opened its doors today at the BP Koirala Memorial Planetarium, Observatory and Science Museum in Kirtipur. The exhibit runs from March 17-23 and aims to communicate the urgency of the climate crisis using glaciers as both indicators and at-risk bodies of the climate crisis. It offers a deep dive into the disappearing world of mountain glaciers and the profound impact their loss has on global ecosystems and local cultures.
The exhibition is being organized by The Small Earth Nepal (SEN), as a core component of Nepal National Glacier, Water and Weather Week (NNGWWW) and aligns with the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation (IYGP 2025) and UN Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences (DACS 2025-2034). The visitors can explore the intricate “anatomy” of glaciers and learn how these “frozen reservoirs” regulate life in the Himalayas. The exhibit features:
- Glacial Science: Interactive displays explaining how glaciers form, their role as climate record-keepers, and the mechanics of melting.
- Interactive Science Maps: Digital maps that allow visitors to swipe through decades of satellite imagery, witnessing the visible retreat of major Nepalese glaciers from 1992 to 2025.
- Cultural Significance: Narratives exploring how ice has shaped the identity, spirituality, and livelihoods of mountain communities.
- Artistic Interpretations: A diverse collection of artworks from local artists and university students, ranging from traditional sculptures and clay works to 3D renderings and short films, all centered on the theme of a “sustainable future.”
- Ask a Glaciologist: Space for visitors to leave questions on a community board, and to be answered by experts from SEN in a special video series.
- Participatory Spaces: Kids can engage at the art tables, while the “Response Wall” invites adults to share their own stories and “Calls to Climate Action”.
The exhibition’s first day was marked by a gathering of scientists, artists, students, and the dedicated project team. The exhibition was collaboratively opened by Dr. Dhiraj Pradhananga, Founder President of The Small Earth Nepal (SEN), UNESCO Chairholder in Mountain Cryosphere and Water, and co-lead of Task Force 2 for IYGP 2025.
He was joined by a distinguished group of partners and collaborators, including:
- Dr. Sanat Kumar Sharma, Executive Director of the B.P. Koirala Memorial Planetarium, Observatory, and Science Museum Development Board.
- Manavi Chaulagain (NChat) and Kumar Raja Maharjan (Vairab Interactive).
- The FoI core team, featuring Rahul Rajkarnikar, Ashok Ghimire, Smriti Tamang, and volunteers from The Small Earth Nepal.
- Representatives from the Climate Change and Development Society (Institute of Engineering, Tribhuvan University)
- Exhibitors from the Nepal Mountain Academy.
Two of the exhibit’s featured artists (Palpasha Suwal and Sandhya Banshi Thakuri) also visited the gallery today to engage with the installations. The exhibition will be officially inaugurated tomorrow, March 18, marking a major milestone for climate and glacier awareness in Nepal.
In his opening address, Dr. Pradhananga hailed the project as a critical “integrated approach” to public awareness, aligning it with the UN Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences (DACS 2025–2034).
“This exhibition is more than just a display of data; it is a bridge between scientific observation and community action,” said Dr. Pradhananga. “As we enter the UN Decade of Action, we must integrate local knowledge with global science. By hosting Faces of Ice at the Museum, we aim to amplify public engagement and bridge the gap between academic knowledge and community awareness.“
By engaging the youth through student-led contributions and interactive technology, Faces of Ice aims to transform abstract climate statistics into a tangible, felt experience for the public.
This edition is proud to have the UNESCO Chair in Mountain Water Sustainability as its knowledge partner. Essential materials and resources for the exhibition were generously supported by KIRDARC, Nepal Mountain Academy, SNV, WaterAid, and the Department of Meteorology at Tri-Chandra Multiple Campus, Tribhuvan University.
Exhibition Details:
- Venue: BP Koirala Memorial National Museum, Kirtipur.
- Dates: 17 – 23 March 2026.
- Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily.
- Entry: Open to the public.
We invite students, families, and professionals to visit the museum at their earliest convenience to explore these vital mountain stories.
