CHARLOTTE, NC (October 14, 2025) – Discovery Place Science is proud to announce the stunning new exhibition BigPicture: Natural World Photography, officially opening on Tuesday, October 21 and included with museum admission. Featuring the work of award-winning nature, wildlife and conservation photographers from around the world, the exhibition uses the power of photography to celebrate and illustrate the rich diversity of life on Earth and inspire action to protect and conserve it. 

“We are thrilled to invite our community to experience BigPicture, an exhibition that provokes questions and curiosity, creates connections and most importantly, inspires people to take action for the future of our planet,” said Catherine Wilson Horne, president and CEO of Discovery Place. “This powerful exhibition is much more than a gallery—it’s a call to awareness, a celebration of life on Earth and a reminder of our shared responsibility to care for it.” 

Created and produced by the California Academy of Sciences and toured by the American Museum of Natural History, the exhibition features 48 breathtaking images from photographers from 17 countries, capturing the wonder, fragility and resilience of the natural world. These images were selected from more than 7,000 submissions across nearly 70 countries in the California Academy of Sciences 11th annual BigPicture: Natural World Photography Competition. 

The exhibition underscores Discovery Place’s commitment to bringing critical scientific and environmental topics to the forefront of the Museum’s work and visitor experiences. This commitment is reflected in Discovery Place’s collaboration with local and global research partners—from identifying new species of moon jellyfish to participating in coral reef conservation efforts. 

Through the Living Planet Lab, the Museum further explores Earth’s biodiversity and the importance of sustainability, offering hands-on learning experiences and showcasing current research that highlights the complex systems sustaining life. Together, these efforts amplify important community conversations around biodiversity, conservation and environmental stewardship. 

BigPicture’s theme, “Unusual Perspectives,” encouraged photographers to seek out unexpected and innovative ways to highlight nature’s diversity. Through categories like Aquatic Life, Terrestrial Wildlife, Human/Nature, Landscapes, Waterscapes and Flora, Winged Life, Art of Nature and Photo Story, each image illustrates the planet’s beauty in surprising and moving ways. 

BigPicture also is a platform for emerging talent and diverse perspectives, spotlighting both professional and amateur photographers—especially women and underrepresented voices in nature photography. With insights and personal stories provided by scientists and photographers, the images offer new perspectives on the environment and help build an understanding of humankind’s role in protecting the natural world. 

“As the natural world comes under increasing pressure, what I’m most proud of is how the BigPicture photography competition highlights the importance of nature in our lives and motivates a global audience to act as its champion,” said international photographer and BigPicture jury member Sophie Stafford. “This year, the new People’s Choice Award enabled everyone to be part of the jury and experience the challenge of choosing their favorites from among so many brilliant shots.” 

Exhibition Details: 
Dates: October 21, 2025 – May 2, 2026 
Location: Discovery Place Science, Charlotte, NC 
Included with Museum Admission and free for Members 
The BigPicture Natural World Photography Competition is created and produced by the California Academy of Sciences. BigPicture is supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies with media sponsorship by bioGraphic. 
  
About Discovery Place Science    
Discovery Place Science is the leading hub for science learning in the Carolinas—dedicated to the exchange of ideas, scientific exploration and creative expression to stimulate innovative problem-solving and learning. The Museum brings relevant, contemporary science to life through groundbreaking exhibitions, interactive educational programming and hands-on activities. Located in Uptown Charlotte at 168 W. 6th Street, convenient parking is available in the Museum’s parking deck—the Carol Grotnes Belk Complex—at the corner of Sixth and Church streets. For more information about Discovery Place Science, visit discoveryplace.org. 
 
About the California Academy of Sciences 
The California Academy of Sciences is a renowned scientific and educational institution with a mission to regenerate the natural world through science, learning, and collaboration. Based in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park, it is home to a world-class aquarium, planetarium, and natural history museum, as well as innovative programs in scientific research and environmental education—all under one living roof. For more information, visit www.calacademy.org.