Dinosaurs in Motion

May 18-September 8, 2013

Join us for the world premiere of Dinosaurs in Motion, where visitors engage with — and learn from — 14 magnificent, life-size metal dinosaur sculptures inspired by actual fossils. 

Dinosaurs in Motion sculptures take interactivity to a whole new dimension. Visitors can manipulate each dinosaur via lever-and-pulley systems or remote controls in a brand new exhibit that fuses art with traditional STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) for STEAM. Visitors are also taken along an apprentice’s path that ends at Innovation Stations, where they can test their creativity and newfound technological inspiration with hands-on activities.

The story of the artist, North Carolina sculptor John Payne, runs through the heart of Dinosaurs in Motion. Payne was a trained metalsmith with a passion for learning and discovery. In art, he found the infinite world of expression. Payne devoted his life to creating metal kinetic dinosaurs, inspired by the universally enchanting effect dinosaurs have on people and the many hours he spent with his children admiring the dinosaurs at The Field Museum in Chicago. Recognizing an opportunity for teaching art and science, Payne blended his skills in mechanical science and artistic craftsmanship to create these wonderful dinosaur sculptures until his untimely death in 2008. A detailed look at his process, from sketches and sculptures to biomechanics and robotics, leads visitors to walk away with Payne’s inspiring message: “If you can dream it, you can do it.”

To view a past interview with Payne, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WdnVkVJXEPU [2]

Dinosaurs in Motion is open Monday-Saturday from 10am to 5pm and Sunday 12 to 5pm (last entry at 4pm). The exhibition is also open late (last entry at 7pm) on First Fridays and every Thursday, offering discounted adult admission.

Tickets are available from the Museum Box Office (919.707.9950). You may also buy tickets online [3].

Prices: Free for Members; $10 for Adults; $6 for Children (3-12); $8 for Students, Seniors (65+) and Military. 

NOTE for PARENTS: Dinosaurs in Motion is a very exciting and interactive exhibit and most children will love the movement, mechanics and other effects that help bring these dinosaurs to life. For some younger and more sensitive visitors, however, the exhibit may be a bit overwhelming. If your child is sensitive to thunderstorms, flashing lights, clattering noises, or large animals, we would suggest that you first walk through the Prehistoric North Carolina exhibit hall and Acro Dome on the third floor, where your child can see non-moving dinosaur skeletons (and replicas) and hear subtle thunderstorm sounds, to help acclimate your child before entering Dinosaurs in Motion.

[4]

To view more photos see the Flickr set. [4]

Dinosaurs in Motion is produced by Imagine Exhibitions Inc.

Sponsored in part by Capitol Broadcasting Company and Curtis Media Group

Capturing the Beauty of Nature: Biological Illustration

May 1–July 31

From the anatomy of a mosquito head to the toe adhesion mechanisms of geckos, a new exhibit at the Museum showcases artwork created by students of an NC State University Biological Illustration class. These students come from all kinds of academic backgrounds: English, engineering, art and design, history, biology and more. For many of them, the course is their first experience with drawing. Instructor Dr. Jennifer Landin says the course is about more than simply sketching plants and animals. “Biological illustrators seek to capture the proportions, patterns and shapes of natural forms both large and small, with enough accuracy that researchers can learn from their drawings.” The 36 pieces in the exhibit are drawn in watercolor, pen and ink.

The exhibit is on display on the fourth floor of the main Museum building. Free.

Past Exhibits

Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition [5]

Genghis Khan: The Exhibition [6]

Wildlife in North Carolina Photo Competitions [7]

Our Expanding Oceans: The Blending of Art and Science [8]

Animal Grossology [9]

Glow: Living Lights [10]

Resources for other past exhibits [11]