This fall, the Holocaust Museum Houston (HMH) will serve as the proud host of the Smithsonian’s critically acclaimed exhibition, The Bias Inside Us, an immersive community engagement project designed to explore and confront the subtle but pervasive influence of implicit bias in our daily lives. Running from September 13 through October 6, 2024, the exhibition will engage visitors with a powerful combination of scientific research, eye-opening interactives, and deeply personal stories, all aimed at unraveling the psychology of bias.

A Deep Dive into Implicit Bias

The exhibition, developed by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES), seeks to raise awareness about the social science behind implicit bias and the profound impact it can have on individuals and communities. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore six unique sections, each offering thought-provoking insights:

1. Introduction

2. The Science of Bias

3. Bias in Real Life

4. Serious Consequences – Bias is All Around Us

5. RetrainYourBrain

6. Personal Reflection

Through a combination of striking visuals, interactive displays, and poignant video testimonials, “The Bias Inside Us” demystifies how bias is formed and how it manifests in the real world. Visitors will learn about the psychology behind bias—how it operates both consciously and unconsciously—and its influence on everything from individual behavior to large-scale societal systems.

Engaging the Public Through Interactive Displays 

The exhibition encourages hands-on engagement, inviting visitors to interact with exhibits that reveal how bias affects everyday items like product design, architecture, and technology. One notable feature includes a series of videos in which eight individuals share their unique experiences with bias, offering diverse perspectives on how it influences various facets of life.

The experience is further enriched by Spanish photographer Angélica Dass acclaimed Humanae project, a powerful visual exploration of the real “colors” of humanity. Dass’ portraits challenge traditional notions of race, using photography to transcend limiting labels like "white," "black," or "yellow" to reflect the true diversity of skin tones.

Scientific Foundations of the Exhibit

At the core of “The Bias Inside Us” is the groundbreaking research of Mahzarin R. Banaji of Harvard University and Anthony G. Greenwald, professor emeritus at the University of Washington. Their pioneering work in the field of unconscious and conscious mental processes led to the coining of the term “implicit bias.” Their book, Blindspot: Hidden Biases of Good People, serves as a foundation for the exhibit’s exploration of the deep-rooted biases we may unknowingly harbor based on cultural attitudes surrounding race, gender, class, and more.

Take the Learning Home: Educator Toolkit

To enhance the exhibit’s impact, the Smithsonian has developed "The Bias Inside Us” Educator Toolkit, designed for both educators and individuals eager to continue their learning beyond the exhibition. This free resource includes a collection of posters, discussion guides, and activities to spark conversations and further unpack the complex realities of implicit bias. The toolkit can be used alongside the exhibit or as part of classroom and community discussions, helping to bring the lessons of the exhibit to life in a tangible and relatable way.

Exhibit Sponsors 

The exhibition is made possible through generous support from the Otto Bremer Trust. Locally, it is proudly sponsored by Wells Fargo (Presenting Sponsor) and Enbridge (Title Sponsor), who are committed to supporting efforts that raise awareness about bias and its societal impacts.

Why Houston Needs “The Bias Inside Us”  

In a city as diverse and vibrant as Houston, “The Bias Inside Us” is especially timely. As one of the most multicultural cities in America, Houston reflects the intersection of numerous races, cultures, and backgrounds. Yet, implicit biases—whether based on race, gender, class, or ability—continue to create barriers in workplaces, schools, and communities. This exhibit offers a unique opportunity for Houstonians to reflect on these biases and consider how they can contribute to building a more inclusive, equitable city.

Holocaust Museum Houston: Plan Your Visit

Holocaust Museum Houston, located at 5401 Caroline Street in the heart of the city’s historic museum district, will host this eye-opening exhibition. Admission is $22 for adults and $16 for seniors (65+), with free admission for children, students with valid ID, and free access for all visitors every Thursday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Parking is available for $8 for a four-hour period.

Exhibition Hours:

Tuesday to Saturday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Sunday 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Closed Mondays (except Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, and Labor Day)

Don’t miss your chance to engage with one of the most important discussions of our time. Purchase your tickets online at https://www.hmh.org/visit, and join the conversation about bias, its effects, and what we can do to change the narrative.

Continuing the Journey Online  

For those unable to attend the exhibit in person, an online version is available at https://biasinsideus.si.edu. The digital exhibition ensures that the Smithsonian’s impactful work reaches an even broader audience, providing valuable tools and resources to help combat bias in everyday life.