Photo: Joshua Franzos

What does it mean that so many individuals now balk at checking the “race” box on surveys? Do we find it difficult to define ourselves in the numerous racial classifications presented in surveys such as the U.S. Census? Are we more confused than ever about what race really means? Or, could it be that we are finally nearing a momentous point in time when we’ll each be able to say, simply, that we are part of the same race—the human race?

Interesting questions. But don’t expect any simple answers when you visit the groundbreaking traveling exhibition RACE: Are We So Different?, opening at Carnegie Museum of Natural History on March 29. It’s a fascinating look at how our perceived racial differences are, in fact, quite contrived, as it bravely discusses the topic of race through the lenses of history, biology, and lived experiences.

When the exhibition first began traveling after its 2007 debut at the Science Museum of Minnesota, its developers found that some museums were concerned about presenting RACE to their audiences. I can’t imagine why that would be, since there is no better place than a museum to discuss, debate, and debunk what we know or think we know. By their very nature, museums are all about exploring, and to explore is to acknowledge that we are open to learning, and open to changing our minds. That’s the joy of exploration—the uncertainty of what you will find and the ultimate hope of discovering something new.

The effort to create a comprehensive exhibition about race took no less than a 25-person advisory board, contributions from 17 different professional disciplinary associations, and collaborations among scientists, historians, policy makers, and legal scholars. We are very proud to once again be bringing such an exhibition to Pittsburgh—one that invites each of us to consider what we believe about a topic and then challenges us to think again. We consider it our privilege—or job, even—to do this throughout our museums, every day, through a variety of exhibitions and programming.

Please plan to spend some time in RACE. Bring your children, your friends. And when you’re leaving the museum that day, be sure to ask yourself: Are we really that different after all?