LIVING LIGHT, A COLLECTOR’S TREASURE TROVE, 3D FILMS, PLUS POPULAR PROGRAMS IN STORE FOR 2015-2016 SEASON AT PEROT MUSEUM OF NATURE AND SCIENCE
Creatures of Light: Nature’s Bioluminescence and Eye of the Collector traveling exhibitions to headline, plus National Geographic speakers, Late Nights, adults-only fun, weekend family discoveries, sleepovers and more throughout the year
DALLAS From flickering fireflies and iridescent jellyfish to quirky and priceless collectibles, fantastic 3D films and more, the Perot Museum of Nature and Science boasts a bright and bountiful line-up for the 2015-2016 season.
Two not-to-be-missed exhibitions will top the offerings – Creatures of Light: Nature’s Bioluminescence (Oct. 31, 2015 – Feb. 21, 2016) and Eye of the Collector (April 15 – Sept. 5, 2016). Creatures of Light: Nature’s Bioluminescence illuminates the mesmerizing world of plants and animals that glow, from the deepest parts of the ocean and beyond. Eye of the Collector, the Perot Museum’s first self-curated temporary exhibition, will showcase the prized possessions of nine individuals that lend insight into prehistoric life, ancient civilizations, fascinating cultures and more. Plus “doze with the dinos” sleepovers, adults-only Social Science evenings, First Thursday Late Nights, second Saturday Discovery Days and other crowd favorites return, providing fresh opportunities for discovery for everyone from wee ones to grown-ups.
“These two very unique exhibitions are going to leave visitors wonderstruck,” said Colleen Walker, the Eugene McDermott Chief Executive Officer. “Nature never ceases to amaze, as you’ll discover in sparkling detail in our Creatures of Light exhibition, which will take guests on an immersive journey through the world of living light. And opening in the spring, Eye of the Collector will showcase not only some truly fascinating and very personal treasures that the world rarely gets to see, but also a behind-the-scenes look at why collectors develop a passion for their collections.”
See below for a synopsis of the 2015-2016 season at the Perot Museum, which was recently voted “Best Museum” by D Magazine readers.
CREATURES OF LIGHT: NATURE’S BIOLUMINESCENCE (Oct. 31, 2015 – Feb. 21, 2016)explores Earth’s extraordinary organisms that produce light, from the flickering fireflies found in backyards around the world to the glowing deep-sea fish and other fantastic creatures that illuminate the perpetually dark depths of the oceans. Guests will move through a series of re-created environments to explore bioluminescence – extraordinary organisms that generate light through a chemical reaction.Rare among organisms that live on land, the ability to glow is much more common in the ocean, where up to 90 percent of animals at depths below 2,000 feet are bioluminescent and where scientists continue to discover bizarre new light-emitting species. Like the crystal jelly, whose glow led to a revolution in cell biology, these deep-ocean animals may hold important clues to essential questions. Creatures of Light: Nature’s Bioluminescence is organized by the American Museum of Natural History, New York in collaboration with the Canadian Museum of Nature, Ottawa, Canada, and The Field Museum, Chicago. Creatures of Light: Nature’s Bioluminescence requires a surcharge for members and non-members. Ticket prices below.
EYE OF THE COLLECTOR (April 16 – Sept. 5, 2016). At the Perot Museum, every object and specimen within its collection tells a unique story. In its first full-scale self-curated exhibition, the Perot Museum presents Eye of the Collector, bringing together amazing personal collections of nine very different people – from the exquisite to the quirky, from historical artifacts to pop culture. Not only will visitors marvel at the items themselves, they’ll also get a glimpse into the minds of the collectors and find out what inspired them to see the magic in items ranging from everyday utensils to rare treasures. At the heart of this exclusive exhibition are signature pieces from Nancy and Randy Best, whose extensive collections take visitors on journeys through time and expand our knowledge – from early hominids to breathtaking minerals extracted from the earth. Every object becomes a wormhole that transports one to a time in history. Admission prices to be announced at a later date.
3D FILMS IN THE HOGLUND FOUNDATION THEATER, A NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPERIENCE. Slip on 3D glasses and get ready for dinosaurs, wild weather, sea monsters, mysterious places and more. To view trailers and film schedule, go to perotmuseum.org. Films are presented locally by Primrose Schools. Ticket prices below.
Walking with Dinosaurs: Prehistoric Planet 3D (through Jan. 3, 2016). Take off on a prehistoric adventure with dinosaurs from over 70 million years ago. A playful Pachyrhinosaurus embarks on the biggest journey of his life as he tries to find his place in a spectacular world filled with fun-loving friends and a few encounters with dangerous foes. Presented by BBC Earth and narrated by Benedict Cumberbatch, this film lets audiences see and feel what it was like when astonishing dinosaurs ruled the Earth. The film, which runs approximately 20 minutes, features two dinosaurs discovered by Perot Museum paleontologists – Pachyrhinosaurus andNanuqsaurus.
Wildest Weather in the Solar System 3D (Sept. 11, 2015 – Jan. 3, 2016). Join National Geographic on a spectacular journey to witness the most beautiful, powerful and mysterious weather phenomena in the solar system. Experience a storm the size of a 100-megaton hydrogen bomb, a 400-year-old hurricane and a dust tempest that could engulf entire planets! Audiences will fly through the thick atmosphere of Venus, magnetic storms on the sun, liquid methane showers on Titan and anticyclones whirling at hundreds of miles per hour on Jupiter. Packed with eye-popping visuals, high-end CGI and cutting-edge science, the film is sure to be an extraordinary experience for all. The film runs approximately 20 minutes.
Jerusalem 3D (Sept. 11, 2015 – Jan. 3, 2016). Take a tour of one of the world’s oldest and most enigmatic cities. Destroyed and rebuilt countless times over 5,000 years, Jerusalem remains a mysterious crossroads of religion and civilization. To discover the truth behind the mysteries, the film takes audiences on a journey following three young Jerusalemites and their families, as well as noted archaeologist Dr. Jodi Magness. Through their eyes, film goers will learn what it means to call Jerusalem home and experience celebrations and events that mark the high points of a year in the life of the city. This awe-inspiring film provides a completely unique perspective of a part of the world that captivates the imagination of billions of people. Narrated by Benedict Cumberbatch and presented by National Geographic, this film runs approximately 40 minutes.
Wonders of the Arctic 3D (Sept. 11, 2015 – Jan. 14, 2016). The Arctic has always been a place of mystery, myth and fascination. Wonders of the Arctic 3D centers on the ongoing mission to explore the Arctic and the compelling stories of the many ventures into this captivating place. The film explores the state of the Arctic today by visiting the polar bear capital of the world, interacting with ice scientists and joining a beluga biologist expedition. Underlying all these tales is the crucial role that ice plays in the northern environment and the changes that are quickly overtaking the people and animals that have adapted to this land of ice and snow.Narrated by actor Victor Garber and presented by Giant Screen Films, this film runs approximately 20 minutes.
Sea Monsters: A Prehistoric Adventure 3D (Jan. 4 – May 26, 2016). When strange bones are discovered in a muddy Kansas river bank, paleontologists set out to investigate a mystery buried in time. Through ultra-realistic 3D computer animation, travel back to the Late Cretaceous period, when the sea was dominated by giant marine reptiles, some as large as present-day whales. Follow a female Dolichorhynchops and her offspring through adventures that illustrate life in the sea during the age of dinosaurs. Live-action recreations of actual paleontological digs are woven throughout, revealing the scientific basis for each animated episode. Presented by National Geographic, this film runs approximately 20 minutes.
Journey to Space 3D (Jan. 4 – May 26, 2016). In the past half-century, humans have punched through the stratosphere, walked on the moon and lived continuously in orbit. In the coming decades, unquenchable curiosity will take our species beyond the cradle of Earth to touch the face of another world. Journey to Space 3D will inspire a new generation of young people to dream of new horizons in space and engender a new appreciation for the accomplishments of the Space Shuttle program among an older generation who came to take it for granted. Through extensive interviews, brilliant narration by actor Patrick Stewart and stunning 3D, discover the foundation behind the next giant leaps being taken into space. Presented by Giant Screen Films, this film runs approximately 40 minutes.
Tiny Giants 3D (Jan. 15 – Sept. 5, 2016). In an adventure of giant proportions, Tiny Giants 3D reveals the astonishing lives of the smallest animals. Using the incredibly immersive power of specialist 3D cameras, audiences are transported in a very intimate way into another world to experience the titanic battles these creatures face to survive. A chipmunk in a wild wood is forced to grow up fast when he is on his own for the first time. Only by using his ingenious superpowers can he not only stay alive, but also become master of his universe. Presented by Giant Screen Films, this film runs approximately 20 minutes.
There’s always something new to see and do at the Perot Museum, thanks to an exciting line-up of programs that’s sure to appease all palates:
SOCIAL SCIENCE. Those seeking a child-free date-night destination, look no further. Social Science, exclusively for the 21-and-older crowd, features a quirky-cool mix of cocktails, performances, innovative experiments, current research, engaging discussions and unique inventions. The fall installment of Social Science, themed Local, takes place Oct. 23 and gives visitors a chance to explore and experience the offerings of breweries, wineries, farmers markets and more from around the area. Upcoming events are from 7-11 p.m. on Oct. 23 (Local), Jan. 22 (Glow), and Apr. 22 (Music). Tickets are $15 for members and $20 for non-members.Social Science is presented by Riveron Consulting and supported by Brown-Forman Corporation. Please drink responsibly.
DISCOVERY DAYS. On the second Saturday of the month, the family-fun Discovery Days, presented by Time Warner Cable’s Connect a Million Minds, takes over the Museum with interactive fun on every floor from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (exclusive activities during member-only hours). Dates and themes for the 2015-2016 season are Sept. 12 (Build), Oct. 10 (Claws & Tails), Dec. 12 (Darkness), Jan. 9 (Light), Feb. 13 (Gadgets and Gizmos),March 12 (Fossils), April 9 (Earth) and May 14 (Humanity). Discovery Days are free to members and included with general admission for non-members.
FIRST THURSDAY LATE NIGHTS. On the first Thursday of the month, the Perot Museum stays open until 9 p.m. with special programming giving guests an opportunity to try out the latest technology gizmos, participate in a social experiment, discover groundbreaking research, enjoy dynamic performances and even make their own creations. Each month will feature exclusive member-only experiences. Upcoming dates are Sept. 3(Botanicals), Oct. 1 (Parasites), Nov. 5 (Sea Creatures), Dec. 3 (Festive), Jan. 7 (Color), Feb. 4 (Electric), March 3 (Science Fiction), April 7 (Nano) and May 5 (Collecting). First Thursday Late Nights are free to members and included with general admission for non-members.
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SPEAKERS. Behind every great National Geographic story, there is a great storyteller. Meet and hear from some of the world’s most renowned explorers and photographers, see astonishing images, and relive their rare-encounter experiences in The Hoglund Foundation Theater, a National Geographic Experience at 7 p.m. The featured speaker for fall is American oceanographer, explorer, author and lecturer Sylvia Earle on Oct. 8. Tickets are $25 for Museum members and $30 for non-members. National Geographic Speakers are presented by Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
SLEEPOVERS. Grab a sleeping bag, and doze with the dinosaurs at a “night at the Museum” sleepover. Go behind the scenes with after-hours access to the Perot Museum’s 11 exhibit halls, exclusive demonstrations and hands-on discovery – with a late-night snack, 3D film and light breakfast to round out the experience! On Oct. 30, a “spooktacular” sleepover is in store, complete with hair-raising crafts, a costume contest, a creepy crawly science show, exploding pumpkins, a Halloween film and much more! And new for 2016, the Museum’s first-ever Spring Break sleepover will be packed with “staycation” surprises! Designed especially for children ages 6-12, Museum sleepovers are set for Sept. 25, Oct. 9, Oct. 30 (Spooktacular Sleepover), Nov. 6 (special Creatures of Light Sleepover), Jan. 2, March 12 (Spring Break Sleepover), March 18, April 15, May 6 (for girls only) and May 27. Cost is $45 per child and $30 per adult chaperone.
BIRTHDAYS. Children 12 and under can celebrate their big day in a big way with an unforgettable party at the Perot Museum. Choose from a variety of themed parties specially designed based on a child’s age, such asMuseum Explorer, Toddlers to Tyrannosaurs and Plug Into Science, or step it up with a Portable Universe Planetarium Party. Museum members may also choose Dinosaur Exploration. Birthday parties are available for groups up to 40 people on Saturdays (from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.) and Sundays (from noon-5 p.m.). Dates fill up quickly, so book early!
HOURS. From Labor Day through Memorial Day, the general hours of operation for the Perot Museum are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday. On Labor Day weekend, the Museum will be open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 4; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 5; and noon-7 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 6. On the first Thursday of each month, the Museum will remain open until 9 p.m. for its First Thursday Late Night public events.
IMPORTANT: The Museum will be closed Sept. 8-10 for annual routine maintenance and will be closed from 1 p.m. on Nov. 13 through Nov. 14 for the Night at the Museum fundraising event. The Perot Museum also will be closed Nov. 26 (Thanksgiving) and Dec. 25 (Christmas).
Members-only extended hours! From 8:30-10 a.m. every Saturday and 10 a.m.-noon every Sunday, members can enjoy exclusive access to the Perot Museum, plus members-only access to the Moody Family Children’s Museum from 10 a.m. – noon every Monday. Extended hours are offered during some holiday weekends and during winter break. Please check perotmuseum.org for other special member-only hours, holiday hours, extended hours and unexpected closings.
TICKETS AND GENERAL INFORMATION. Museum general admission ticket prices are $17 for adults (18-64), $11 for youth (2-17), $12 for seniors (65+), and free for children under 2. Museum general admission is always free for members. Admission to the theater is $6 for a short film (20 minutes) and $8 for a long film (40 minutes) for adults, seniors and youth. For members, admission to the theater is $5 (short film) and $6 (long film). All children under 2 are free. General admission prices subject to change.
Creatures of Light: Nature’s Bioluminescence requires a surcharge along with purchase of Museum general admission for non-members for a total admission cost of $26 for adults (18-64), $18 for youth (2-17), $19 for seniors (65+), and free for children under 2. Member tickets are $5 for adults (18-64) and $4 for youth (2-17) and seniors (65+).
Skip the lines! Visitors, including members, are strongly encouraged to purchase/reserve tickets in advance directly from their smart phones or computers.
PAID PARKING. General parking and handicap parking is available in the main Museum parking lot, a pay-to-exit lot located under Woodall Rodgers Freeway across from the Museum. Limited additional handicap and Hybrid/electric vehicle parking is available in the Special Permit lot, located directly west of the Museum. Pricing is $8 per car when paid on-site and $3 for Museum members.
The Perot Museum is located at 2201 N. Field Street in Dallas, Texas. For more information, visit perotmuseum.org or call 214-428-5555.
NOTE: To obtain the news release, Perot Museum fact sheet, photos, b-roll and film trailers, please go toperotmuseum.org/press and use the access code press.
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About the Perot Museum of Nature and Science. A top destination for North Texans and tourists alike, the Perot Museum of Nature and Science is a nonprofit educational organization located in the heart of Dallas, Texas, with campuses in Victory Park and Fair Park. With a mission to inspire minds through nature and science, the Perot Museum delivers exciting, engaging and innovative visitor and outreach experiences through its education, exhibition, and research and collections programming for children, students, teachers, families and life-long learners. The 180,000-square-foot facility in Victory Park opened in December 2012 and is now recognized as the symbolic gateway to the Dallas Arts District. The Museum features 11 permanent exhibit halls on five floors of public space; a children’s museum; a state-of-the art traveling exhibition hall; and The Hoglund Foundation Theater, a National Geographic Experience. Future scientists, mathematicians and engineers will find inspiration and enlightenment through breathtaking collections, interactive exhibits, multimedia presentations and vivid contextual displays that expose visitors to a hands-on world of ideas and concepts. Designed by 2005 Pritzker Architecture Prize Laureate Thom Mayne and his firm Morphosis Architects, the Victory Park Museum has been lauded for its artistry and sustainability. To learn more, please visit perotmuseum.org.
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