United States Museum Debut
January 30 – April 25
We made plastic. We depend on it. Now we’re drowning in it.
Planet or Plastic?, an exhibition by National Geographic, shines a spotlight on the fragility of the natural environment as a result of the global plastic waste crisis.
Featuring the work of researchers, scientists and artists, the exhibition traces the history of plastic from its invention in the mid-1800s to present day where, seemingly everything is made of plastic. Planet or Plastic? explores the plastic pollution of our world’s oceans and uncovers how untold numbers of marine animals die each year from ingesting micro-plastics. The exhibition will also feature a look into the rise of single-use plastics due to COVID-19.
At the culmination of the exhibit, guests are provided with practical steps to responsibly reduce, reuse, recycle, and refuse single-use plastic products. The exhibit is recommended for all ages and will feature special programming each weekend.

Ticket Details:
– FREE for Nauticus Members
– Included in General Admission Ticket ($15.95/adult* & $11.50/child* *plus tax)
*Capacity is limited, masks are required for guest’s ages 5+ and thorough cleanings will occur throughout the day.

Exhibition Events, Activities & Virtual Programs
Join the Nauticus team for special events, virtual programs and activities within the Planet or Plastic? exhibition that are included with general admission/membership. Virtual programs are free and will be streamed on the Nauticus Facebook.
February Schedule
February 6-7 – Break the Cycle (Groundhog Day)
Reliving the same day over and over again sounds like a drag. In honor of Groundhog Day, we will reflect on our actions and replace bad habits with more ecofriendly choices whenever possible! Do you have Super Bowl plans that involve paper plates and plastic utensils? Why not root for your team and help the environment at the same time? We want to break the cycle and learn how easy it is to help save the planet!
February 12-14 – Valentine’s Day
Environmentally harmful gifts like balloons and plastic wrapped flowers are so last season! Show your love by being an environmental steward! Learn how to have an eco-friendly Valentine’s Day by making cards and gifts from upcycled materials. Give biodiversity bouquets of local wildflower seeds instead of roses! Nothing says love like a handmade, eco-friendly gift!
February 20-21- Trash to Treasure
Upcycling is all the rage! But what is it and how can you get started? Upcycling is the act of creatively reusing. You can do this by repairing and refinishing a piece of furniture or turning an old pair of jeans into shabby chic décor and gift bags. The sky is the limit! We want you to be inspired and get creative. Before throwing something in the trash or recycling bin, think of a way to upcycle it first!
February 27-28 – Afrofuturism; Black Scientists and Science Fiction
Afrofuturism—the merging of Black history and culture with science fiction, science, technology and art—is the theme for Nauticus’ Black History/Future Month celebration. Afrofuturism is a creative genre that addresses inequity and environmental stewardship very clearly while also inspiring and empowering the scientists and change makers who could build a better future. Join us to celebrate all the amazing Afrofuturism creators who have dared us to dream bigger and the Black environmental and sustainable scientists who were inspired by them!
March Schedule
March 6-7 – March Madness
Check out Nauticus’ March Madness bracket of Sustainable Swaps! How can we replace the single use plastics in our lives? Once you start looking, there are lots of affordable, easy replacements you can make: reusable straws, cloth bags for shopping, or simply just saying “no thanks” to single use plastic products. A plastic free sea starts with a plastic free me!
March 13-14 – Fast Fashion, Trash Fashion
Have you checked the tags on your clothes lately? If you see the words acrylic or polyester, then you are wearing plastic, my friend! In the modern world, we are literally surrounded by fast fashion. Large companies can mass produce at lightning speed, lowering costs but raising the environmental toll significantly. This weekend focuses on slow fashion and clothes that will last a lifetime.
March 20-21 – Who Run the World; Women in STEM
In the immortal words of Warrior-Poet Beyonce, “Who run the world? Girls.” So in honor of Women’s History Month, we are highlighting some of the amazing women who are doing their part to build a better future! Women don’t just run the world, they’re saving it!
March 27-28 – Repair NOT Replace
How often have you thrown away an item because it stopped working? This weekend, let us teach you some easy fixes and repairs that you can do at home! Before you throw something in the trash or recycling bins, try and repair it! You’ll be surprised how easy some of these fixes can be!
April Schedule
April 3-4 – Chesapeake Bay-cation
This Spring Break, reduce your carbon footprint by staying local! Spend some time outdoors making a positive impact on the health of the environment. Come join us for our on-campus cleanup or by conducting a backyard cleanup of your own. Then come check out the exhibit and learn about the long–reaching effects your good actions have on our Chesapeake Bay!
April 10-11 – Eco-Animals
Woof woof woof, woof woof woof. That’s dog–speak for “Can you make more eco-friendly choices when purchasing pet supplies?” Learn how we enrich our animals here at Nauticus with eco-friendly approaches, and how you can do the same at home!
April 17-18 – BB64 Birthday Blast; Reuse NOT Replace
In a sleepy shipyard in Philly on April 16th, 1944 our Battleship Wisconsin was born! Well, commissioned, and today we celebrate her 77th birthday with a bang! Our Battleship was built to last and after WW2 she was able to be reused in Korea and Operation Desert Storm. This makes her an environmental inspiration for us all to reuse, NOT replace, our belongings!
April 24-25- Urban Farming for Earth Day
Plants, we can’t live without them! Celebrate Earth Day with us by learning all about urban farming! Grow your own food from scraps! Make an upcycled greenhouse! Become an urban farmer and support your local farms and gardens while you’re at it! This is your last chance to see Planet or Plastic before it’s gone!