Atlanta’s science and nature experience destination, Fernbank, is preparing for its first exhibit of the year. Opening in February, transports visitors back to the Ice Age through immersive storytelling and interactive displays. Fernbank has also released details on ticketing, related programming, and special events tied to the exhibit.
“Planet Ice” Exhibit to Open This February at Fernbank Museum
Fernbank has been a popular Atlanta destination for its immersive exhibits and hands-on experiences. Now, it is preparing for its first special exhibit of 2026, “Planet Ice.” The museum is now inviting visitors to explore the powerful role ice has played in shaping Earth’s history.
On view from February 7 to May 3, 2026, the exhibit explores Earth’s landscape and life forms from 80,000 years ago. Through storytelling and larger-than-life megafauna displays, the exhibit shows how life has evolved over time. Additionally, the use of augmented reality combined with artifacts and models aims to educate guests on survival in an arctic climate.
The exhibit features multiple interactive elements that help visitors better understand daily life during the Ice Age. Some related programming is also included in the exhibit that elevates the experience.
The exhibit was developed in partnership with the Canadian Museum of Nature, Ottawa, Canada. The exhibit was made possible with support from tour partner Polar Knowledge Canada and local sponsor the Isdell Family Foundation. The Frances Wood Wilson Foundation provided additional support.
Highlights of the Immersive Exhibition
“Planet Ice” features a range of interactive and visual elements designed to fully immerse visitors in the Ice Age. It creates an illusion that we are still living in an ice age, though the planet is changing. From giant screens to more than 100 specimens, here are some of the highlights of the exhibit:
- The Ice Age Megafauna: The exhibit brings an impressive view of megafauna, including the woolly mammoth, mastodon, cave bear, giant beaver, and the American lion.
- Magical Moments: There are two “magical moments” for visitors to enjoy at the exhibit. Visitors will see lifelike illusions of a woolly mammoth and an American lion emerging from a snow-filled landscape.
- Specimens and Artifacts: The exhibit holds authentic tools and artifacts used by the Tunniit (Dorset) and Thule-Inuit peoples in Canada’s Arctic. The lifelike sculptures of a Neanderthal adult and child provide evidence for how humans adapted to the environment.
- Film: Guests are also invited to view the giant screen film, “Titans of the Ice Age,” which opens on February 7, 2026. Narrated by actor Christopher Plummer, the film takes the audience 20,000 years into the past. There will be daily showings of the film.
In addition to these, the museum will also host family-friendly events like Discovery Day and “Planet Ice Chill-abration.” The event will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, February 7, 2026, marking the exhibit’s opening day.
Ticket Information and Accessibility
To access the exhibit, general admission tickets can be purchased online or onsite. General admission includes access to three floors of museum exhibits and one giant screen film. It also includes 75 acres of nature exploration in the Fernbank Forest and Wildwoods.
When booking online, the tickets are priced at $25.95 for adults, $24.95 for seniors, and $23.95 for children ages 3-12. Admission is free for children ages 2 and younger and for Fernbank members.
These prices are only for tickets purchased online and can be higher if available onsite. Separate ticket prices are available for the Fernbank After Dark, WildWoods: AGLOW, and other museum night events.
