Exhibition Celebrates Moon Landing Anniversary and Introduces V-DROME Theater Preview
“The Apollo 11 moon landing marked one of those moments in time that defined us as a generation, a nation and even as a civilization,” said Van A. Romans, Museum president. “It was a promise fulfilled and that is why this exhibition is an appropriate backdrop to introduce the V-Drome. For generations, this Museum has had a commitment to innovative learning experiences and the introduction of our new 4-D flyover theater marks a milestone for education, as well. The V-Drome turns digital content into an absolutely immersive and unforgettable experience. It’s a new chapter in learning for us all.”
The V-Drome preview includes a pre-show experience with a comprehensive overview of a planned expansion at the Museum and an enclosed 360-degree theater that reveals the technology and science behind the V-Drome flyover theater experience and how it will be used to provide unique educational opportunities for learners of all ages.
“The V-Drome is the fulfillment of our commitment to the Academy of Digital Learning (ADL), which was created to deepen our understanding of the world around us through transmedia storytelling,” said Romans. “Thanks to ADL, guests will be engaged in creative learning experiences within a rich and nurturing environment.”
Launchpad: Apollo 11 Promises Kept features space artifacts from the Museum’s significant collection, custom-built interactive exhibits and a cutting-edge layer of technology to create an immersive and exciting cosmic journey. This 10,000 square-foot exhibition is currently under construction in the Museum’s Havener gallery on the second floor. It pays tribute to the past and future of space exploration with a collection of Apollo-era artifacts and interactive technology. “Fifty years ago, we first set foot upon the Moon,” said astrophysicist Dr. Doug Roberts, chief technology officer. “I think it’s interesting to ponder where we will be fifty years from now.”
Dr. Roberts leads the Museum’s Academy of Digital Learning team, which was instrumental in curating the artifacts and developing multimedia content featured in the exhibition. “Launchpad weaves physical artifacts with the virtual and artistic experiences with academic. I am hopeful our visitors will find a story to excite and inspire them.”
The new exhibition includes objects that visited the Moon, including the United States and City of Fort Worth flags carried to the Moon’s surface by the lunar lander Intrepid as well as mission checklists with handwritten notes by Apollo 12 astronaut and Fort Worth native, Alan Bean, who was the fourth man to walk on the Moon.
Following his retirement, Bean pursued his interest in painting. The exhibition also features an original Bean painting, prints of several others, plus the astronaut’s essays describing his work.
Additional highlights include:
- Roving on Mars – Cutting-edge augmented reality technology puts guests in the middle of the action as Curiosity Rover goes to work on a life-size reproduction of the Martian landscape.
- Journey of Apollo and Beyond – Artifacts from our collection tell the story of six decades of space exploration. Highlights include rarely seen photographs, audio clips and video from NASA’s earliest days in space.
- Science of Space – From gyroscopes to special cameras, space is full of fascinating science. Interact with hands-on activities to learn about physics, chemistry and engineering and learn how astronomers study the universe.
- Art Space – For centuries, humans have tried to capture the mystery of the cosmos and the wonder it evokes through expressions in art. Art of Space explores those ideas and encourages guests of all ages to create works of their own.
- VR Laboratory – You can’t (yet) book that trip to the Moon, but you can see what astronauts saw in stunning virtual reality (VR). Launchpad’s VR Laboratory includes more than a dozen VR headsets to explore the past, present and future in space.
A media preview of Launchpad: Apollo 11 Promises Kept and V-Drome 2020 is scheduled for Wednesday, May 15. For more information about the exhibition and special programming planned to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon landing this summer, please visit www.fortworthmuseum.org.
The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, a distinguished institution established in 1941, is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and proudly holds Affiliate status with the Smithsonian Institute. Anchored by a diverse and enriching collection spanning science and history, the museum is committed to lifelong learning. Engaging visitors through vibrant programs and exhibits, it interprets the rich tapestry of Texas and the Southwest. The museum’s commitment to education is reflected in its innovative programs, designed to inspire and educate learners of all ages. From interactive workshops to immersive exhibits, the museum provides a dynamic environment for curiosity and intellectual growth. For more information about educational programs, exhibits, and events, visit www.fwmuseum.org.
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