"Night of Ideas" bring global enlightenment to Los Angeles

Photo courtesy of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

Photo courtesy of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

The Natural History Museum in Los Angeles was the backdrop for a celebration of the stream of ideas between countries, cultures and generations. Every year, people around the globe come together at “Night of Ideas” to learn about and discuss the latest discoveries and prominent issues facing the world today.

In collaboration with the Consulate General of France in Los Angeles, Natural History Museum hosted “Facing Our Time,” this year’s theme that explores the challenges we face around ecological and climate change through the lenses of science, nature and art.

We came together as a community to partake in a wide array of talks, films, performances, music, interactive discussions and even an immersive VR experience —all around the intersections of science, art, nature, and culture —from rainforests to oceans, from mindfulness to physical endurance, and mineral science to botany. Through nights like this, we can connect, share ideas, and pave a promising path to a more sustainable and hopeful future.
— Dr. Lori Bettison-Varga, president and director of the Natural History Museum in Los Angeles
Photo courtesy of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

Photo courtesy of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

The Natural History Museum was filled inside and out with intellectuals, researchers, musicians, and artists who brought to life questions related to the nature of our current political, social and ecological moment; ways to affect change in response; and the power of imagination and creativity. It was a night of engaging discussions, live music, pop-up performances, food, readings, art installations, screenings and much more, in celebration of the rich cultures of the U.S. and France.

As new generations wish to give more meaning to life and positively impact the environment that surrounds them, the Night of Ideas 2020 theme ‘Being Alive’ embraced the work of inspiring people who are focused on improving our conditions and pushing the boundaries of what is possible. What a great topic to open 2020 and the new decade!
— Nathalie Soirat, Deputy Consul General at the Consulate General of France in Los Angeles
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