HORNIMAN PHOTO DISPLAY SHOWS HOPE FOR ENDANGERED CORALS

Horniman photo display shows hope for endangered corals. A new photographic display highlights the connections between the Horniman Museum and Gardens’ scientific breakthroughs in coral reproduction, and coral reef restoration in the ocean.

Project Coral and the Journey of Hope, opening on 21 March, features photographs from Hope Reef in Indonesia alongside behind-the-scenes images at the Horniman Aquarium. The display highlights some of the people and communities working together and shows how hope can travel from research tanks to living reefs.

The Horniman Aquarium team’s Project Coral has been a world-leading coral breeding programme since 2012, pioneering new ways to reproduce corals. These discoveries in the south London museum’s basement are now giving reefs a fighting chance, protecting ocean wildlife, and offering hope for the future.

Since 2006, the Mars Coral Reef Restoration Programme has been working to help bring coral reefs back to life using techniques such as Reef Stars, hexagonal, sand-coated steel frames that are installed on degraded reefs to provide a stable platform for rapid coral growth. At Hope Reef, Salisi’ Besar, Indonesia – the flagship reef restored using this approach – local communities and international scientists have collaborated to create the word ‘HOPE’ in restored coral, as a powerful message.

The Horniman Aquarium’s Dr Jamie Craggs is working with Mars to help bridge the gap between research and restoration. Some of his photos are on show, along with those taken by Ikoz (Muhammad Rizky Madjid), for the Mars Coral Reef Restoration Programme. The opening of the new exhibition will also feature a tactile print of spawning coral, a first for the Horniman. This print was made possible using Canon’s elevated print technology, powered by its PRISMAelevate XL software and Arizona printer series, which has been used globally to support museums and galleries in making art more inclusive.

Dr Jamie Craggs, Principal Aquarium Curator at the Horniman Museum and Gardens, and Senior Marine Science Officer for Mars Sustainable Solutions, says:

‘As well as our landmark breakthrough in coral spawning, this display shows how the Horniman Aquarium team is developing innovative photographic techniques to better understand developing corals. Alongside are photos taken on the other side of the world, of Indonesian communities leading coral restoration programmes, working with Mars to rebuild the reef. I’m lucky to play a role in both and see for myself this journey of hope for the future of corals – now visitors can see it too, here at the Horniman.’

Ikoz (Muhammad Rizky Madjid), Indonesia Marine Programme Officer and Photographer for Mars Sustainable Solutions (MSS), says:

‘These photographs tell a story of HOPE beneath the sea. They capture the journey of damaged coral reefs as they slowly recover through the care and collaboration of MSS Team Indonesia, scientists, and local communities. Each small coral fragment planted is a step in this journey – showing that even fragile ecosystems can be given a chance to grow again.

‘HOPE is not just a word here; it is a shared commitment. These images on display at the Horniman remind us that when people come together with purpose and care, hope can become real – and the sea can begin to heal.’

Project Coral and the Journey of Hope, co-developed by the Horniman and Mars Sustainable Solutions, is open daily from 21 March 2026, 10am to 5.30pm, and is free to visit.

Image: Horniman Museum and Gardens