A profound transformation, 55 million years in the making, is the focus of a new exhibition, which guides visitors through the extraordinary evolutionary saga of whales, creatures that traded terra firma for the boundless ocean.

The immersive exhibition, Wonders of Whales: Into the Depths for a Cetacean Encounter, traces the epic evolutionary path of whales, from their humble, four-legged beginnings to their status as oceanic giants.

Opened to the public at the Natural History Museum of China in Beijing on Nov 25, the event is far more than a display of bones and specimens. It is a multisensory narrative that charts one of evolution’s most dramatic plot twists: the return of mammals to the sea.

“This exhibition includes four units and features more than 150 rare and exquisite marine specimens, alongside 14 sets of interactive multimedia installations,” Miao Yu-yan, the museum’s exhibition development director, says.

“We aim to showcase the beauty of marine biodiversity, allowing everyone to appreciate the splendor of Earth’s biodiversity and to collectively understand the importance of harmonious coexistence between humans and animals,” she adds.

Running through April 6, the event guides visitors from the shallow shores of prehistory to the lightless depths of the modern abyss.

The journey begins in The Deep Sea Ballad, where a vast floor projection creates an undulating plane of deep blue. Highlighting the innovative approach to engagement, Miao says: “Beyond the rich and diverse specimens, we have multiple interactive exhibits.”

For instance, a tactile installation is embedded with a piece of animal skin. “We hope that by touching it, visitors can form an intuitive, tangible connection with the incredible diversity of life,” Miao says.

She also elaborates on the other sensory elements. “In our exhibition area, there is a scent device that periodically releases the smell of the ocean. When visitors walk by, they can experience the fresh, airy sensation of the sea. We’ve also created an immersive chamber for the 52-hertz whale song. This sound is mysterious and very special.”

Another major highlight is the stunning display of a humpback whale specimen, presented through a complete skeleton and detailed skin samples, offering a comprehensive look at the majestic marine giant.

The section Extinction or Rebirth reconstructs the phenomenon of a “whale fall”, the process of dead whales sinking to the ocean floor and becoming a source of food and nutrients for deep-sea creatures for decades or even centuries.

The final chapter, A Future Coexisting with Cetaceans, strikes a sober but hopeful note, calling visitors to action in achieving harmony between human and nature.

Gao Yuan, a star guide at the museum, says: “From the Yangtze River finless porpoise to the Chinese white dolphin roaming the South China Sea, and the various whale species in our coastal waters, they maintain the health of our rivers and oceans, yet they face threats such as marine pollution, habitat destruction, and accidental injury. Therefore, caring for their protection is to care for the entire ecosystem.”

He calls for the public to stop using single-use plastic products, prohibit the purchase of any products made from endangered marine species, learn about marine life, conserve water, and reduce carbon emissions.

From their reverse evolution from land to sea, to the glimmers of intelligence spanning instinct and culture, and the philosophical reflections on death and rebirth, the event is not only a scientific exploration spanning 55 million years but also a profound meditation on life and symbiosis.