N.Y. museum plans 'H2O' exhibit

NEW YORK, Sept. 7 (UPI) -- The American Museum of Natural History in New York is planning an exhibition that celebrates one of the planet's life-sustaining resources -- water.

"Water: H2O = Life" is set to wash over the landmark institution in November, remain on view until May 25, 2008, and then tour Europe, Asia and South America.

While water is vital to "to the welfare and sustainability of human societies, and, indeed, to the health of all ecosystems on Earth,” water usage and population growth patterns are straining the planet’s finite water resources, American Museum of Natural History President Ellen V. Futter said in a statement.

"Building on the museum’s longstanding tradition of educating the public about pressing and topical issues, 'Water: H2O = Life' will present the comprehensive story of water from scientific, cultural, and environmental points of view while also celebrating the beauty and inspiration humans have found in water," she said.

The museum said the exhibition will include live fishes and frogs, images projected on a curtain of fog, a 6-foot globe displaying satellite images of Earth, dioramas and interactive exhibits that allow visitors to experience the power of water.

Artifacts will also be used to highlight cultural and spiritual aspects of water.