A new traveling exhibit has opened at the Perot Museum as of October 31, 2015. From now until February 21, 2016, you can visit the Creatures of Light: Nature’s Bioluminescence exhibition.
This would make an awesome homeschool field trip or family fun event for anyone. The Perot Museum is so much fun, with all the hands-on activities and interesting exhibits. This one looks like a blast, and I can’t wait to check it out with my family later this month.
Fireflies
This section of the exhibition evokes an evening lit by fireflies, all signaling to one another in
their species-specific “language of light.”
©AMNH\D. Finnin
Creatures of Light explores Earth’s extraordinary organisms that produce light, from the flickering fireflies found in backyards around the world to the glowing deep-sea fish and other fantastic creatures that illuminate the perpetually dark depths of the oceans. Guests will move through a series of re-created environments to explore extraordinary bioluminescent organisms.
Crystal jelly (Aequorea victoria)
When this jellyfish is poked or jostled, spots on its rim light up like an emerald necklace. Its
mysterious glow is both bioluminescent and fluorescent. Inside its miniature light organs, a
chemical reaction makes blue bioluminescent light, and a fluorescent molecule turns the
blue light to green.
©AMNH\D. Finnin
Skip the lines and get your tickets online before you go!
Creatures of Light: Nature’s Bioluminescence requires a surcharge along with purchase of Museum general admission for non-members for a total admission cost of $26 for adults (18-64), $18 for youth (2-17), $19 for seniors (65+), and free for children under 2. Member tickets are $5 for adults (18-64) and $4 for youth (2-17) and seniors (65+).
Museum general admission ticket prices are $19 for adults (18-64), $12 for youth (2-17), $13 for seniors (65+), and free for children under 2. Museum general admission is always free for members. Admission to the theater is $6 for a short film (20 minutes) and $8 for a long film (40 minutes) for adults, seniors and youth. For members, admission to the theater is $5 (short film) and $6 (long film). All children under 2 are free. General admission prices subject to change.
The Perot Museum is located at 2201 N. Field Street in Dallas, Texas.
Scorpions
Minerals can contain fluorescent molecules that glow under ultraviolet light. Scorpions, some
spiders, and many insects are fluorescent too.
©AMNH\D. Finnin
Special Events
The exhibition is the inspiration for other enlightening programs at the Perot Museum, including a Creatures of Light-themed sleepover on November 6. Children ages 6-12 (along with a chaperone) can experience the wonder and magic of Earth’s extraordinary light-emitting organisms during an all-night adventure with the twinkles of living light.
At Discovery Days, all ages can join in on themed activities the second Saturday of the month from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. On December 12, guests can create their own sea creature, travel through space in the portable planetarium, explore nocturnal animals, examine gems and minerals through microscopes and more at Discovery Days: Darkness.
On January 9, families can explore the world of light, while investigating creatures and habitats, the solar system, how plants grow, how electricity works and other activities at Discovery Days: Light. Discovery Days are free for Museum members and included in the cost of general admission for non-members.
On January 22, adults ages 21 and up can play with light, learn about bioluminescent plants and animals, and more as part of the most luminous Social Science yet – with wearable LEDs, captivating light installations and glowing experiments to light the way. Complete with cocktails, performances, innovative experiments, current research, engaging discussions and unique inventions, Social Science: Glow will make for a perfect date night or fun evening with friends. Tickets go quickly!
Be sure to check it out and let me know which part was your favorite!
