In today’s world, questioning everything you see is more pragmatic than paranoid. What’s more, it’s a habit that you’re never too young to get into. Enter Phenomena: The Exhibition, this summer’s spotlight installation at Orlando Science Center. An interactive, immersive inquiry into the science of perception, Phenomena reveals the many ways in which our eyes can deceive us. Attendees can learn this valuable lesson through a variety of hands-on (and eyes-on) activities.
Among the attractions: a mirror maze that distorts reality ad infinitum; a rotating tunnel that shows how much our physical balance depends upon visual cues; a room where perspective is skewed in tantalizing ways; and a magic table capable of creating the illusion that any head that’s poked into it has become separated from its host body.
Provided by Dala Projects, a Minnesota-based curator of feature exhibits for museums and educational centers, Phenomena will be on view at OSC from May 17 to September 7. That’s an entire summer for the younger set to develop a healthy distrust of the visual world around them before they go back to school in the fall and challenge their teachers endlessly with their newfound skepticism. Entry is free for members and included with the standard admission price for everyone else.
Plenty, as usual, is happening at the science center: In addition to Phenomena, the season will see the unveiling of The Dome by Dr. Phillips Charities. That’s the completely refurbished successor to the facility’s old CineDome. The new and improved venue will feature 8K projection on a brand-new screen as well as a new sound system and seats.
Orlando Science Center is located at 777 East Princeton Street, Orlando. For more information, call or visit the website.
