When stepping inside The Health Museum at 1515 Hermann Drive, Houston, most visitors would expect to see various exhibits about the human body. Instead, patrons will be able to experience “Primordial Shift: The Science and Art of Genetic Modification” until May of next year.

Conceived by artist Michael Meilahn, the new exhibit aims to deal with the implications of genetic modification of corn. Back in the 20th century, scientists discovered that they were able to unravel genetic code, and the opportunity for genetic modification became available, bringing positive and negative outcomes.

Unlike other past exhibits, “Primordial Shift” uses art and science to show the history of genetic modification. At the center of it all is four-foot-tall glass blown corn with a background behind that makes them appear to be swaying in a field.

“​​We have developed support programs around the science part of genetic modification. Corn is the start of all of this and the modification of corn has been going on for a very long time. There has been a negative connotation in the past about genetic modification and bioengineering,” said Stephanie Wigginton, marketing manager for the museum. “It addresses the questions about what is genetic modification in the end? How does that affect agriculture and how does it actually affect the food we put in our mouth?”

Though genetic modification tends to be a more controversial topic, the exhibit has set out to explore the benefits of it, such as modifying the corn to use less water or grow faster. It also touches on what the future of genetic modification could one day look like.

While the museum does not often use art installations in exhibits, the choice of using Meilahn's work was an easy one.

“So much of our museum is based on the full body experience of health and science and human anatomy. We thought this would be a different way to gain interest in some of the scientific facts around the history of genetic modification,” Wigginton said.

Since the exhibit does not have any interactive parts or things for kids to climb on, it is not recommended for young children, although the museum does have other exhibits better suited for them.

The museum will also be hosting its Viva La Vida gala from 6-10 p.m. on Nov. 5 at The Four Seasons Hotel. The event will honor some of Houston's top health care professionals and will celebrate their diversity, dedication, courage and compassion. Tickets and sponsorships are still available on their website.

Tickets to the museum range from $8-$10, depending on age and membership level. The museum is open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. on Thursday and noon-5 p.m. on Sunday. It is closed on Monday and is free for all on Thursday from 2-7 p.m.

They will also be having their Fall Cornival from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Oct. 30 at the museum.

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