Make a Beeline for Discovery Place’s “Bug Lab”
Go under the microscope in this larger-than-life insect exhibition.
by Discovery Place Science Jan 01, 2019
Fans of “Ant-Man” and “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids,” this one’s for you. Discovery Place Science’s featured exhibition, “Bug Lab,” invites guests to explore the amazing abilities of the world’s smallest creatures. Featuring larger-than-life bug models, the exhibition is split into four immersive chambers where you can learn about the day-to-day lives and inspiring innovations of some of the coolest insects around. Think that’s the bee’s knees? Here are a few other reasons this new exhibition will leave you bug-eyed.
1. It was created by New Zealand’s world-famous museum Te Papa.
The exhibition took more than 40,000 hours to create before premiering in New Zealand.
2. The setup is stunning.
To bring the insect world to life, Te Papa worked with five-time Academy Award-winning design and manufacturing studio Weta Workshop, the studio behind design and physical effects for “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy.
3. These bugs are the future.
Through engaging exhibits, “Bug Lab” shows how scientists adapt insect technology to develop human innovations like drones and cures for cancer. It even highlights creatures like the jewel wasp, an insect that moonlights as a brain surgeon. Talk about worlds colliding.
4. The exhibition is entirely immersive.
Whether you’re defending your beehive from hornets or watching a dragonfly soar in a 3D animation, every “Bug Lab” moment is filled with mite-sized fun.
5. You can meet real-life entomologists.
It’s not often you get to see cool science careers in action. On Arthropod Day (April 27) and during Bug Bar on the second Saturday of every month, visiting scientists will be on hand to teach kids about these curious critters.
6. Every day is an adventure.
In addition to monthly programming, Discovery Place also has daily demonstrations, crafts and special bug-related activities in the Explore More Life lab.
“Bug Lab” will be on exhibition through May 5. Tickets are $20 for adults, $16 for children (ages 2-13), $18 for seniors (60+), $3 for members and $4 for welcome participants. Continue your journey learning about nature, with the IMAX film, “Backyard Wilderness” for an additional $4 per ticket.
