The first installation of a phased master plan, the Arctic Next Door tackles issues of climate change and extreme weather using physical and interactive engagement. ‘Step into a Hurricane’, rock climb simulated Mt. Washington granite, target wind to move windmills, smell alpine herbariums, use scopes to view distances, play with spin browsers and ‘climb’ Mt. Washington virtually are a suite of activities that educate through play. The exhibit floor plan is designed to facilitate flexibility by designing ‘rooms’ in which different topics can be rotated in and out while keeping the overall design intact.