New Exhibition Highlights Mathematical Patterns in Nature with a Mirror Maze Experience FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE / PRURGENT
A Mirror Maze: Numbers in Nature, a new interactive and immersive exhibition at the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, will be on view from Saturday, October 12, 2019 through Sunday, April 12, 2020. Created by the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago (MSI), the exhibition exposes and explains the mathematical patterns that abound in the natural world. From the nested spirals of a sunflower’s seeds, to the ridges of a majestic mountain range, to the layout of the Universe, each provides a unique perspective of our daily surroundings. Various interactive elements allow for hands-on learning to understand that math is all around us in everyday life, revealing the beauty of our world through numbers.
The centerpiece of A Mirror Maze: Numbers in Nature is an elaborate mirror maze where guests can lose themselves in a seemingly infinite repeating pattern of mirrors. This arrangement of symmetry and tessellation provides an introduction to patterns and how math surrounds us every day. Dead ends are scattered throughout the maze, and hidden within the experience is a small secret room, rewarding guests with bonus puzzles and artifacts.
The exhibition also features an immersive theater presenting an introduction to how math surrounds us every day, depicting stunning footage of nature, the human body, and even art and architecture. Hands-on activities within the exhibition allow for further exploration of mathematics—such as fractal branching, spirals, Voronoi patterns, the Golden Ratio (?), and more. From measuring their own wingspan to viewing their own eye’s blood vessels, creating computer-generated landscapes as seen in movies to playing a multistring harp, guests will manipulate and create their own mathematical patterns. The exhibition also features an array of artifacts—Bighorn sheep antlers, honeycomb and an aluminum anthill casting—that demonstrate real examples of patterns in objects from the natural world.
Additional interactive highlights of the exhibition include:
• Lenticular images that animate imagery from nature, showing the many repeating patterns that are easily identifiable—if they know where to look!
• Draw patterns on a digital screen—like connecting dots to draw spirals and creating Fibonacci rectangles—and see real-world objects that show that same pattern.
• Step in front of a large two-way mirror and strike various poses while a projection superimposes patterns and proportions on your body in real time.
• Look through an eyepiece to observe how blood vessels branch within your eyes.
• Observe just how much symmetry—or lack thereof—is present in the human face.
• Compose a piece of music using symmetry: vary a single musical motive and hear your creations played back.
• Discover and compare similar patterns in architecture from varying parts of the world—from the Taj Mahal to the Beijing National Stadium—built millennia apart.
A Mirror Maze: Numbers in Nature was created by the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago (MSI).
A Mirror Maze: Numbers in Nature will be on view from Saturday, October 12, 2019 through Sunday, April 12, 2020 inside the Hsiao Family Special Exhibition Gallery on the first floor of the museum. Admission to A Mirror Maze: Numbers in Nature is included with all museum admission tickets. Additional information on the exhibition can be found at frostscience.org/mirrormaze.
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About the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science (Frost Science)
Located in Downtown Miami’s Maurice A. Ferre? Park, the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science is a leading science museum dedicated to sharing the power of science, sparking wonder and investigation, and fueling innovation for the future. Sitting on four acres, the 250,000 square foot museum divides into four buildings: the Frost Planetarium, Aquarium, and the North and West Wings. At Frost Science, visitors can explore the world of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) in an experiential setting with interactive exhibitions and unique shows. Frost Science is supported by the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners of Miami-Dade County. This project is supported by the Building Better Communities Bond Program and the City of Miami. It is sponsored, in part, by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture. The museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and a member of the Association of Science and Technology Centers. Learn more at frostscience.org.
About The Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago (MSI), one of the largest science museums in the world, offers world-class and uniquely interactive experiences that inspire inventive genius and foster curiosity. From groundbreaking and award-winning exhibits that can’t be found anywhere else, to hands-on opportunities that make you the scientist—a visit to MSI is where fun and learning mix. Through its Welcome to Science Initiative, the Museum offers a variety of student, teacher and family programs that make a difference in communities and contribute to MSI’s larger vision: to inspire and motivate children to achieve their full potential in science, technology, medicine and engineering. Come visit and find your inspiration! MSI is open 9:30–4 p.m. every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Extended hours, until 5:30 p.m., are offered during peak periods. The Museum is grateful for the support of its donors and guests, who make its work possible. MSI is also supported in part by the people of Chicago through the Chicago Park District. For more information, visit msichicago.org or call (773) 684-1414. |
