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Monsters are Coming to the Science Museum of Virginia
May 14, 2014
Monsters are Coming to the Science Museum of Virginia
May 17th – September 7th, 2014
Creatures and mechanical monsters come to life as the Science Museum of Virginia opens How to Make A Monster on Saturday, May 17. How To Make A Monster exposes the art and technology of animatronics behind creatures from the silver screen. This gripping exhibition explores the connection between science, engineering, technology and art as they work together to create some of your favorite beasts and bio-mechanical creatures from blockbuster films and TV shows. “We believe in the power of STEM at the Museum. This summer, we will be defining STEM as science, technology, engineering and monsters,” according to Rich Conti, Chief Wonder Officer. Showcasing the skills and processes involved in bringing a creature from the written page to the big screen, How To Make A Monster features the work of visual effects artist and Academy Award winner John Cox. The exhibition displays a vast array of creatures created during Cox’s long-standing career in animatronics and visual effects – including flying aliens from Pitch Black (2000) and the giant creeping crocodile in Peter Pan (2003).Guests can become animatronic puppeteers, lighting technicians and creature designers as they get a first-hand look at iconic monsters like the abominable snowman, werewolves, dinosaurs and aliens – and watch the creations come to life right in front of their eyes!How to Make a Monster is included with Museum admission. Tickets are $11 with $1 discounts for ages 4-12 and 60+. Science After Dark tickets are $5. Visit www.smv.org or call 804.864.1400 for details.Science After Dark: Monster EditionsThis summer the Museum will unleash Science After Dark, new night-time programming on the 3rd Friday of each month – with special activities and horror classics in The Dome that will make your hair stand on end.Friday, June 20thEnjoy a Horror Movie Panel Discussion featuring horror icons Dr. Gruesome and Skeeter, Bowman Body, and Dr. Madblood, moderated by Sean Kotz, followed by a special presentation of Horror of Dracula in The Dome.Friday, July 18thSpend an evening in the Museum to experience live science activities including brain dissections and monster CO2 Racers. After the activities, take a seat in The Dome to see a special presentation of Gremlins.
Friday, August 15th
Spend an evening in the Museum to experience live science activities including heart dissections and create your own slime. After the activities enjoy a presentation by Todd Raviotta and see a special presentation of Bride of Frankenstein in The Dome.
Summer Science Family Fun
Saturday, June 21st
Are you afraid of the dark? Venture into the sunshine to celebrate monsters, from the iconic Bigfoot #1 The Original Monster Truck® to a monster trebuchet sending items soaring through the air.
Join the Museum all summer long for monster-size fun!