While volcanoes date back millions and millions of years, knowledge about them continues evolving. A study by the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences published in January 2025 found that all volcanoes, including dormant ones, have persistent and large magma bodies. Scientists used seismic waves to identify magma chambers beneath six volcanoes within the Cascade Range.
A new exhibit at the High Desert Museum, “Under Pressure: A Volcanic Exploration” takes visitors on an educational and interactive journey behind the massive peaks that serve as a scenic and recreational backdrop in Central Oregon.
“We’re including a lot of research that may be totally new to people,” explains Kyrie Kellett, a consulting curator for the High Desert Museum. “They may not know some of the relationships between the Yellowstone hotspot [and west coast.]”
The exhibit explains the origins of places like Smith Rock, coastal mountains and Steens Mountain. Visitors will be able to touch rock specimens including porphyritic basalt, welded tuff and spindle bomb and watch videos of volcanoes erupting. The constant rumble of eruptions is heard throughout the exhibit. A hot lava floor simulation is spread across the center of the floor as a nod to the children’s hot lava game. “Under Pressure” also explores the cultural and historical significance of volcanoes to people living in the High Desert region.
“We wanted it to really lean into the 80s theme,” Kellett says. “For a lot of people, the last time they really thought about volcanoes erupting and having a really big impact in the area was with Mount St. Helens.” The Washington volcano erupted on May 18, 1980, at 8:32am. It’s considered one of the most disastrous eruptions in U.S. history, killing 57 people, causing more than a $1 billion in damages and sending ash into eleven states and five Canadian provinces.
“With 350 million people living near an active volcano worldwide, the more we understand about volcanoes, the better we can exist alongside them,” High Desert Museum Executive Director Dana Whitelaw said in a news release.
The exhibit replaces “Sensing Sasquatch” in the Spirit of the West Gallery and is scheduled to run nearly a year through Jan. 3, 2027.
Under Pressure: A Volcanic Exploration
Now through Jan. 3, 2027
High Desert Museum
59800 US-97, Bend
highdesertmuseum.org/
Museum Admission: $20 thru Feb 28 / $24 March-Oct
Discounts for seniors, college students, children
This article appears in the Source February 12, 2026.
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