Hydrothermal Vents Exhibition.

The Natural History Museum has opened a new wing in an old industrial site. The inaguration features a life-size model of one of the most extreme environments in our planet: the deep sea hydrothermal vents. Deprived of light, and at enormous pressure, life thrives on the geothermal energy shed by the fissures at the bottom of the ocean. The smoke rises from the vents, leaving sulfur-rich deposits (in yellow), while strange species like the giant tube worm (Riftia), or the Yeti crab, cluster around this oasis of warmth among the cold depths. Bioluminiscence is a tool of survival in these dark regions -and a source of danger for the curious fish!

This is the most ambitious model I've made to date: more than 5400 pieces! The marine display detaches from the museum background for easyness of access, but I didn't want to waste one of the 5 pictures just to show that. The choice of sand green gives -I hope- the vibe of a restored industrial building, in contrast with the colourful reef.