Press Release
Fernbank Museum Falls into Fun
with Programs and Events that Last through the Year
Fernbank Museum is offering a full season of programs and events through the end of 2011. Special programming days highlight the out of this world experiences in new IMAX® film Hubble, the scrupulous adventures of Charles Darwin, the thrill of scientific exploration, the taste for BBQ and good deeds in the fall, the ghoulish fun of Halloween, and the festivities that accompany celebrations around the world.
Events for All—Families Always Welcome:
Darwin Opening Day Celebration
• Saturday, September 24 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Enjoy a day of family fun featuring live animal shows, games, hands-on activities and more celebrating the grand opening of Fernbank’s newest special exhibition, Darwin.
Out of this World: Astronomy Weekend
• Saturday, October 15 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Sunday, October 16 from noon – 4 p.m.
We are ready for blast-off! You’re invited to join our mission to learn more about space, astronomy and how scientists learn about our universe through hands-on activities and demonstrations. This family fun day is presented in conjunction with the IMAX® film Hubble.
Fernbank BOO-seum Trick-or-Treat
• Saturday, October 29 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Get ready to have a screaming (in delight) good time! For one day only, Fernbank Museum is becoming Fernbank BOO-seum. Enjoy a frightening-ly fun Halloween party featuring games, crafts, hands-on activities and special treats for kids in costumes.* (*Treats available while supplies last.)
Science at Hand Day
• Saturday, November 12 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Biology, astronomy, ecology—oh my! Which of the sciences will you try? This is a unique chance to learn what it’s like to be a scientist and explore different scientific fields. Guests will enjoy one-on-one opportunities to talk with scientists and community volunteers, learn more about sciences through hands-on activities, and much more.
Winter Wonderland Celebration Weekends
• Saturday, November 19 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Sunday, November 20 from noon – 4 p.m.
• Saturday, December 10 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Sunday, December 11 from noon – 4 p.m.
• Saturday, December 17 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Sunday, December 18 from noon – 4 p.m.
Join us for special activities, performances, crafts, games and more inspired by the cultural and holiday celebrations of Winter Wonderland.
Caroling & Cupcakes Weekend
• Saturday, December 3 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Sunday, December 4 from noon – 4 p.m.
Enjoy the sounds of the season and a free holiday delights (while supplies last) and other festivities, including performances by the Georgia Boy Choir, ornament-making crafts and more.
Events that are All Grown Up—Just for Adults:
Martinis & IMAX® Island Adventure
• Friday, September 30 from 6:30pm-11pm
Join party captain Big Mike Geier and his crew from Tongo Hiti for a jolly jaunt featuring live music, evening viewing hours of Darwin, hula lessons and more. This festive evening is presented in conjunction with the IMAX® film Galapagos.
Darwin After Dark
Fridays from 6:30 p.m.-10 p.m. (last entry at 9:15 p.m.)
• September 30
• October 7
• October 14
• October 21
Enjoy special evening viewing hours of Fernbank’s newest special exhibition and take a unique look into the life of one of the world’s most intriguing scientists. Darwin features live animals, amazing fossils and an array of scientific tools used by Charles Darwin.
Martinis & IMAX® Team Trivia Night
Select Fridays from 6:30 p.m.-11 p.m.
• October 7
• November 4
Inspired by the special exhibition Darwin, Fernbank and Team Trivia will offer you the chance to strut your intellectual stuff during special Trivia Nights at Martinis & IMAX®. Not all questions will be focused on Charles Darwin, but those who have visited the exhibition may have an advantage.
Bourbon & BBQ
Presented by Fernbank’s Artemis guild of young professionals
• Thursday, October 27 from 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.
Save the date for an evening featuring bountiful BBQ plates and more. This annual fall social event offers an opportunity to learn more about the Artemis guild, enjoy the company of other young professionals, and celebrate the fall season with Fernbank. More details to be announced soon. Cost: $25 for non-members and $20 for members.
Martinis & IMAX® Fright Night
• Friday, October 28 from 6:30 p.m.-midnight
What happens when good proms go bad? Fernbank’s annual adult Halloween event is taking you back to the day of big hair with a 80s prom theme. Enjoy live music by Flux Capacitor, a special “screaming” of Carrie, a costume contest for best Prom King and Queen and more. Standard Martinis & IMAX® prices apply.
Martinis & IMAX® Holiday Fest
• Friday, November 25 from 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Work off those extra Thanksgiving Day calories with live music by Kingsized, free swing dance lessons, evening viewing hours of Winter Wonderland and more during a special holiday-themed edition of Martinis & IMAX®. Standard Martinis & IMAX® prices apply.
Related Exhibitions:
Darwin
• On view from September 24, 2011 through January 1, 2012
Set a course for adventure as you enjoy a unique look into the life of one of the world’s most intriguing scientists. This special exhibition features live animals, amazing fossils and an array of scientific tools used by Charles Darwin.
Selections
• On view September 24, 2011 through January 1, 2012
In celebration of Darwin, Fernbank Museum has partnered with local artists and scientists to present a collection of illustrations, paintings and drawings that reveal the relationship between science and art. These eight Atlanta- and Athens-based artists, typically employed to create teachable science through literal imagery, reveal the evolution of art from science in this inspiring exhibition that recognizes the beauty of the natural world.
Winter Wonderland: Celebrations & Traditions around the World
• On view from November 16, 2011 through January 8, 2012
Celebrate holidays, traditions and cultures in this festive exhibition and programming series featuring decorated trees, dance groups, musical acts, craft demonstrations, storytelling and more.
Related IMAX® Films:
Hubble
• Now showing through January 1, 2012
Join spacewalking astronauts as you journey through distant galleries to explore the mysteries of our celestial surroundings. Take a unique look into the Hubble Space Telescope’s legacy as you experience this gripping story—full of hope, ingenuity, bravery and triumph—that reveals how we view the universe and ourselves.
Galapagos
• Now showing through January 1, 2012
Journey deep into the largely unknown waters surrounding the volcanic archipelago of the Galapagos Islands to explore the natural wonders of a realm that is truly a living natural science laboratory.
All programming is included with Museum admission, except where noted.
• Museum admission is $17.50 for adults, $16.50 for students/seniors, $15.50 for children ages 3-12, and free for members and children ages 2 and younger.
• IMAX® film admission is $13 for adults, $12 for students and seniors, $11 for children, and $8 for members.
• Value Pass tickets, which include Museum and IMAX® admission, are $23 for adults, $21 for students and seniors, $19 for children, and $8 for members.
• Martinis & IMAX® film tickets, which include an IMAX® film and the added programming in the Great Hall such as music, dancing and more, are $12 or $8 for members. Tickets to see the Darwin exhibition during Martinis & IMAX® are $10. If not seeing a film or Darwin, there is a $7 cover charge.
Fernbank Museum of Natural History is located at 767 Clifton Road NE in Atlanta. Visitor information is available at fernbankmuseum.org or 404.929.6300. Tickets can also be purchased at fernbankmuseum.org or by calling the box office at 404.929.6400.
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