Climate Forward Summit Featured Antarctic Exhibit

The New York Times hosted an immersive exhibit at its annual summit on Sept. 23 featuring artifacts from the Thwaites Glacier.

Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Environmental

A weathered orange expedition tent shell and coiled climbing rope rest on a polished gallery floor, representing Antarctic research. — The New York Times showcased research artifacts from a 2026 Thwaites Glacier expedition at its Climate Forward Summit in New York City. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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On Sept. 23, 2026, The New York Times held its fourth annual Climate Forward Summit at The Times Center in Manhattan. The event featured an immersive, sustainable exhibition showcasing artifacts from a 2026 expedition to the Thwaites Glacier.

Why it matters

The exhibition aimed to transform nearly a century of Antarctic reporting into a tangible experience by prioritizing sustainable design in every aspect of the project. This approach sought to demonstrate how large-scale activations can minimize environmental impact through material repurposing and local sourcing.

The exhibition development spanned a 2.5-month period without the use of artificial intelligence. Designers utilized locally sourced greenery, large rocks, and field artifacts to replicate an Antarctic base-camp environment.

The players

The New York Times

The New York Times is a major American newspaper based in New York City known for its extensive climate and international reporting.

MKG

MKG is a creative agency that specializes in experiential marketing and immersive event design.

The details

Designed by the creative agency MKG, the installation included original notebooks, audio recordings, clothing, and a tent from researchers who explored the Thwaites Glacier. The agency implemented strict sustainable practices, including biodiesel trucking and a post-event material donation framework.

The expedition team explored the Thwaites Glacier during January 2026.
The expedition team explored the Thwaites Glacier during February 2026.
The New York Times Climate Forward Summit took place on Sept. 23, 2026.

The Big Picture

The exhibition marks a pivot in scientific communication by moving away from traditional data presentation toward immersive, sustainable storytelling. This shift challenges the industry to reconcile the environmental footprint of event production with the climate advocacy mission of the summit itself.

The exhibition demonstrates that event-based activations can successfully integrate eco-conscious logistics like biodiesel transportation and material recycling. These practices provide a replicable model for other local organizations seeking to reduce waste during large public gatherings.

The takeaway

Sustainable event design can effectively bridge the gap between complex climate research and public engagement. Implementing circular material management practices allows organizations to align their operational footprints with their advocacy goals.