When the Irma and Paul Milstein Family Hall of Ocean Life re-opened to the public in 2003—ten years ago this month—the newly renovated gallery was transformed: 14 dioramas, some first built in the 1930s, had been restored, and brand-new ecosystem displays highlighted the diversity of ocean habitats and the species that lived together within them. The blue-whale model, on display since 1969, was renovated, too.

On Thursday, May 30, at the Museum, a bevy of explorers and researchers will explain the connection between Arctic whales and climate-change research at a special event, World Science Festival: How Whales are Unlocking Arctic Secrets.