February 20, 2026

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC—

The Coastal Discovery Museum, a Smithsonian Affiliate, is showcasing award-winning images from Nikon’s 51st Small World Photomicrography Competition, in the Sea Island Gallery, from March 13 to May 17. Admission is free.

The 20 images captured by a light microscope are part of Nikon’s annual competition, which is open to anyone with an interest in photography and video. The first-prize was awarded to China’s Zhang You for his image of a rice weevil mounted on a grain of rice.

"We are pleased to once again host the Nikon Small World exhibit that explores the creative interconnection between art and science,” said Elizabeth Greenberg, Director of Exhibitions at the Coastal Discovery Museum. "These images are not only extraordinary by revealing a world that is invisible to the naked eye, they also demonstrate the power of photomicrography to advance scientific and medical research.”
Each year, the Small World exhibit travels throughout North America at selected museums and centers of science. To view the complete collection of winning images, visit nikonsmallworld.com.

Plan your visit
Located at 70 Honey Horn Drive, Hilton Head Island, the museum is open Mon – Sat, 9 am – 4:30 pm, and Sundays, 11 am – 4:30 pm. The museum and grounds will be closed on April 5, April 18, and April 19.

About the Coastal Discovery Museum
The Coastal Discovery Museum, a Smithsonian Affiliate, is an educational and cultural organization whose mission is to provide experiences that inspire people to care for the Lowcountry. Founded in 1985 and located on Hilton Head’s historic Honey Horn grounds, the museum offers exhibitions, programs, lectures, hands-on workshops, and events that explore Lowcountry history, nature, culture, art, and fragile coastal environment. For more information, visit coastaldiscovery.org.