Oct. 8: Birds of Paradise at Perot Museum

Two traveling exhibitions make their way to the Perot Museum – Birds of Paradise and Maya: Hidden Worlds Revealed – plus Giant Gems of the Smithsonian, adults-only Social Science and other unique opportunities 

DALLAS (Aug. 16, 2016) – Breathtaking birds with wonderfully weird dances, stunning Maya artifacts, supersized gems and extraordinary explorers. Heart-pounding and wondrous 3D missions through space, the skies, Africa and more. These are just a sampling of highlights as the Perot Museum of Nature and Science unveils its line-up for the 2016-2017 season.

“From exotic birds and ancient cultures to glorious supersized gems, the Perot Museum’s coming season offers a vivid variety of experiences to satisfy our ever-diverse visitor base,” said Dan Kohl, the Perot Museum’s interim chief executive officer. “And our sensational line-up of National Geographic speakers – a record-breaking female mountaineer, a TV star and monster fisherman, and a former NFL cheerleader turned wildlife expert – inspire us to dare and dream.”

The headliners are two traveling exhibitions – Birds of Paradise (Oct. 8, 2016-Jan. 8, 2017) and Maya: Hidden Worlds Revealed (Feb. 11-Sept. 4, 2017). Mind-elevating experiences await in Birds of Paradise, a highly interactive science-meets-art exhibition that explores the 39 beautifully uncanny birds-of-paradise. Then secrets are uncovered in Maya: Hidden Worlds Revealed, where the towering temples, astronomical prowess and royal dynasties of one of the great civilizations of the ancient world are explored through authentic artifacts and immersive activities. Plus, more than 20 never-before-seen-together magnificent gems from the Smithsonian’s world-renowned National Gem Collection make their debut at the Perot Museum in Giant Gems of the Smithsonian (Sept. 9, 2016-Jan. 17, 2017).

For a recap of the 2016-2017 season at the Perot Museum, recently voted “Best Museum” by D Magazine readers for the fourth consecutive year, continue reading:

BIRDS OF PARADISE (Oct. 8, 2016-Jan. 8, 2017) is a story of nature’s most fascinating feathered flirts – the extravagant birds that have inspired a recent social media craze. A science exhibition, art show and natural history display in one, Birds of Paradise, presented by Highland Capital Management, will take visitors on an expedition to a New Guinea rainforest to witness the spectacular plumage and dazzling dance moves of the family of birds known as birds-of-paradise. Through beautiful National Geographic photography, follow the adventures of two determined researchers who made 18 trips to New Guinea over eight years to complete the first survey of all 39 known species of birds-of-paradise. The video and photographs they brought back, combined with the exhibition artifacts and interactive experiences, provide exciting learning opportunities for visitors of every age. Birds of Paradise requires a surcharge for members and non-members.

Note from Sharon: Watch this enticing 30 second short clip:

 

http://www.perotmuseum.org/explore-the-museum/traveling-exhibits/2016-birds-of-paradise/index.html

MAYA: HIDDEN WORLDS REVEALED (Feb. 11-Sept. 4, 2017) is the largest traveling exhibition about the Maya ever to tour the U.S. Presented by Highland Capital Management, the exhibition brings together more than 200 authentic artifacts and immersive environments to explore the astonishing accomplishments of one of the most powerful indigenous Mesoamerican civilizations, that still has millions of living descendants today. Visitors will learn how the Maya built towering temples and created an intricate calendar system while discovering what archaeologists have uncovered about the once-hidden ancient Maya, and the unresolved questions about why these ancient cities were abandoned. Through hands-on activity stations, guests can decipher hieroglyphs, learn cultural and architectural techniques, and explore an underworld cave, ancient burial site, mural room and more. The bilingual exhibition, presented in English and Spanish, requires a surcharge for members and non-members.

GIANT GEMS OF THE SMITHSONIAN (Sept. 9, 2016-Jan. 17, 2017). Never before seen together, approximately two dozen magnificent, Texas-sized gems from the Smithsonian’s world-renowned National Gem Collection will be on display in the Lyda Hill Gems and Minerals Hall on Level 3. The mineral masterpieces, many weighing over 1,000-plus carats, include an “American Golden” topaz that tips the scales at almost 23,000 carats (more than 10 pounds), a blue topaz “football” of nearly 7,000 carats, kunzite Tiffany necklace, a Mogul emerald diamond necklace and more. This temporary installation will mark the first time such a large collection of Smithsonian gems, some of which have never been displayed in any museum, will be on exhibit outside the famed Washington museum complex. Giant Gems of the Smithsonian is free with Museum general admission.

3D FILMS IN THE HOGLUND FOUNDATION THEATER, A NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPERIENCE. Don some 3D glasses, and experience science in spectacular form! To view trailers and film schedule, go to perotmuseum.org. Films are presented locally by Primrose Schools. Ticket prices below.

ASTEROID: MISSION EXTREME 3D (Sept. 9, 2016-Jan. 8, 2017). Discover the dangers and opportunities that lie in using asteroids as stepping stones in humanity’s voyage across the solar system. Narrated by Sigourney Weaver and presented by National Geographic, the film runs approximately 25 minutes.

EARTHFLIGHT 3D (Oct. 6, 2016-March 10, 2017). Take an incredible flight across the world on the wings of some of the world’s most charismatic birds. Narrated by Cate Blanchett and presented by BBC Earth, Earthflight 3D runs approximately 20 minutes.

EXTREME WEATHER 3D (Oct. 15, 2016-May 25, 2017). From famed storm chaser and award-winning filmmaker Sean Casey, go to the edge of 300-foot-tall glaciers, the front lines of massive wildfires and directly in the paths of deadly yet mesmerizing tornadoes. Presented by National Geographic, Extreme Weather 3D runs approximately 40 minutes.

ELECTROPOLIS 3D (Jan. 9-May 25, 2017). Take a fascinating look at the all-important electrical grid and explore how companies are working to ensure that blackouts do not disrupt everyday life. Presented by National Geographic, Electropolis 3D runs approximately 20 minutes.

WILD AFRICA 3D (March 11-Sept. 4, 2017). Ride across, over and through the magical realms of the most dramatic continent on earth: Africa. Plunge into fantastic places, meet amazing creatures and discover the fascinating secrets of this enchanted kingdom. Narrated by Helena Bonham Carter and presented by BBC Earth, Wild Africa 3D runs approximately 20 minutes.

PROGRAMS. From world-renowned Nat Geo explorers to adult-only evenings to family-friendly happenings, the Perot Museum presents an array of programs for all walks of life:

2017 NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC LIVE! SPEAKERS SERIES. Think of it as story time for adults. Spotlighting some of National Geographic’s sensational adventures, the 2017 National Geographic Live! Speaker Series kicks off Jan. 5 with Hilaree O’Neill, the first woman to climb the world’s first- and fourth-tallest mountains (Mount Everest and Lhotse, respectively) in under 24 hours. As a professional skier, mountaineer, writer and mother, O’Neill will discuss her many adventures in Hilaree O’Neill: Point of No Return. On March 2, National Geographic Fellow and aquatic ecologist Zeb Hogan, host of Nat Geo’s Monster Fish TV show, will speak on his freshwater excursions where he’s encountered some of the world’s largest lake-inhabiting creatures in Zeb Hogan: In Search of River Giants. Wrapping up the series will be Mireya Mayor: Pink Boots and a Machete on May 4. Mayor will discuss her surprising transition from NFL cheerleader to National Geographic explorer and wildlife expert. All three talks will take place at 7 p.m. in The Hoglund Foundation Theater, a National Geographic Experience. Tickets on sale Oct. 15. Season ticket packages are $75 for Museum members and $90 for non-members. Individual tickets are $30 for Museum members and $35 for non-members. National Geographic Live! is presented by Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.

SOCIAL SCIENCE. With no kids in sight, Social Science is a great chance for the adults to come out and play at the Perot Museum. A unique date-night destination that sells out fast, Social Science is exclusively for the 21-and-older crowd complete with eclectic cocktails, craft beers and food by Wolfgang Puck, performances, innovative experiments, engaging discussions and unique inventions. Upcoming events are from 7-11 p.m. on Oct. 14 (Flight), Jan. 27 (Creativity) and April 28 (Elemental). Tickets are $15 for members and $25 for non-members. Social Science is presented by Riveron Consulting and supported by Brown-Forman. Please drink responsibly.

FAMILY-FUN EVENTS. Discovery Days, First Thursday Late Nights, sleepovers and more, the Perot Museum’s programs are sure to satisfy all ages and interests. On the first Thursday of the month, the Museum stays open until 9 p.m. with themed activities for First Thursday Late Night. The family-fun Discovery Days offer interactive fun on every floor from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on the second Saturday of the month. And kids and their adult chaperones can snore and explore during the Museum’s popular sleepovers. Discovery Days and Late Nights are free to members and included with general admission for non-members. Sleepovers are $45 per child and $30 per adult chaperone for members and $50 per child and $40 per adult chaperone for non-members. Visit perotmuseum.org for dates and themes.

DISCOVERY CAMP AND DISCOVERY CAMP, JR. Kids in grades K-6 can now experience unique STEAM-centered Perot Museum Discovery Camps throughout the year with fall, winter and Spring Break camp offerings. Plus, little ones ages 3-4 can partake in Discovery Camp, Jr. (half-day) featuring interactive investigation and exploration with hands-on science experiments and creative projects led by expert camp instructors. Discovery Camps are presented by Texas Instruments, Inc. Visit perotmuseum.org/camps for dates and themes.

 

HOURS. From Labor Day through Memorial Day, general hours of operation for the Perot Museum are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday. On the first Thursday of each month, the Museum will remain open until 9 p.m. for First Thursday Late Night. IMPORTANT: The Museum will close Sept. 6-8 for annual maintenance and will close early Nov. 11 (1 p.m.) and all day Nov. 12 for the Night at the Museum fundraising gala. The Museum also will close Nov. 24 (Thanksgiving) and Dec. 25 (Christmas).

Member-only extended hours! From 8:30-10 a.m. every Saturday and 10 a.m.-noon every Sunday, members can enjoy exclusive access to the Perot Museum, plus member-only access to the Moody Family Children’s Museum on Mondays from 10 a.m.-noon.

TICKETS. Museum general admission is $19 for adults (18-64), $12 for youth (2-17) and $13 for seniors (65+). Museum general admission is free for members. Admission to the theater is $6 for a short film (20 minutes) and $8 for a long film (40 minutes). For members, admission to the theater is $5 (short film) and $6 (long film). Films and general admission for children under 2 are free. For groups of 10 or more, call for special rates at 214-428-5555 ext. 8. All prices are subject to change.

Birds of Paradise requires a surcharge for a total admission cost of $27 for adults (18-64), $19 for youth (2-17), $20 for seniors (65+), and free for children under 2. Member tickets are $6 for adults (18-64) and $5 for youth (2-17) and seniors (65+).

Maya: Hidden Worlds Revealed requires a surcharge for a total admission cost of $29 for adults (18-64), $20 for youth (2-17), $21 for seniors (65+), and free for children under 2. Member tickets are $6 for adults (18-64) and $5 for youth (2-17) and seniors (65+).

The Perot Museum is located at 2201 N. Field Street in Dallas, Texas. For parking information and other details, visit perotmuseum.org or call 214-428-5555.

About the Perot Museum of Nature and Science. The top cultural attraction in Dallas/Fort Worth and a Michelin Green Guide three-star destination, the Perot Museum of Nature and Science is a nonprofit educational organization located in the heart of Dallas, Texas, with campuses in Victory Park and Fair Park. With a mission to inspire minds through nature and science, the Perot Museum delivers exciting, engaging and innovative visitor and outreach experiences for children, students, teachers, families and life-long learners. The 180,000-square-foot facility in Victory Park opened in December 2012 and is now recognized as the symbolic gateway to the Dallas Arts District. Future scientists, mathematicians and engineers will find inspiration and enlightenment through 11 permanent exhibit halls; a children’s museum; a state-of-the art traveling exhibition hall; and The Hoglund Foundation Theater, a National Geographic Experience. Designed by 2005 Pritzker Architecture Prize Laureate Thom Mayne and his firm Morphosis Architects, the Victory Park museum has been lauded for its artistry and sustainability. To learn more, please visit perotmuseum.org.

Press release courtesy Perot Museum.