Magic: Science of Illusion Opens Oct. 7, 2006
”Magic: The Science of Illusion” presents four illusions: mind reading, levitation, transformation and a disembodied head. By exploring how magicians create magical illusions, visitors learn about basic math, physical science, psychology and the art of performance as well as gain an appreciation of magicians as innovators who experiment with science and art to keep one step ahead of their audiences.
Visitors explore the science and art of each of the four illusions from two perspectives -- as the audience and magician's apprentice. As the audience, visitors enter a "front stage" environment to experience the impact of the magical performance, and learn about an illusion's cultural history. As the magician's apprentice, they enter a "backstage" environment and explore, through hands-on exhibits and video, how physical science, psychology and math are used to create the illusion.
Visitors can also learn about the history of magic and its most famous performers -- from Houdini to Doug Henning, Penn & Teller, Goldfinger & Dove, Max Maven, and Jade -- in the Magicians and Performances area, while the film "Magic at Work" looks at magical thinking (in the form of superstitions) in modern life. The exhibit features authentic magical artifacts, including a milk can and handcuffs used by Houdini in his famous escapes.
“Magic: The Science of Illusion” will be at The New Detroit Science Center from Oct. 7, 2006 through Jan. 15, 2007. Tickets start at $10.95 for children and seniors, and $11.95 for adults. General admission to the Science Center is included.
Comments
I saw this exhibit when it was at the Pink Palace in Memphis. It is a wonderfully put together exhibit. If you have the time to see this exhibit, do so. If you don’t have time, make time! You’ll regret it if you don’t!