Exhibits

Designed to Move

April 2023 - March 2024

“Designed to Move: Seeds That Float, Fly or Hitchhike” features work by photographer Taylor James, introducing viewers to a surprising, up-close look at the beauty and functional diversity of desert seed designs. James’ photographs illustrate the ingenious design of desert seeds that employ different methods for dispersal and propagation. They can float in the air and water, fly far from their mother plant and hitchhike on the fur of animals.

The exhibition was organized by the Biomimicry Center at Arizona State University in collaboration with Desert Botanical Garden, ASU’s Herbarium and ASU’s Design School. At MNA the exhibit also features items from the museum collection highlighting the ethnobotanical uses and cultural importance of these plants.