Object Timeline

  • We acquired this object.

0

  • Work on this object ended.

2011

  • Work on this object began.

2022

2025

  • You found it!

Project, Extinction Symbol

This is a Project. It was designed by ESP. It is dated 2011-ongoing. It is a part of the department.

Global

The Extinction Symbol was created to raise awareness of the need for transformative change in the face of an accelerating species extinction caused by humans. An unprecedented one million out of eight million plant and animal species are under threat. Designed to be easily drawn, recognized, reproduced, and understood, a circle signifies the planet and an hourglass sends an urgent warning that "time is running out" for many species. Used around the world, the symbol has become the visual identity for the growing Extinction Rebellion movement and the world’s "ecological symbol of peaceful resistance."

It is credited Extinction Symbol Protest Sign: Courtesy of Ward Ogden and Extinction Rebellion NYC.

This object was previously on display as a part of the exhibition Designing Peace.

There are restrictions for re-using this image. For more information, visit the Smithsonian’s Terms of Use page.

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If you would like to cite this object in a Wikipedia article please use the following template:

<ref name=CH>{{cite web |url=https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/2318806263/ |title=Project, Extinction Symbol |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=15 February 2025 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>