One World Portraits of Diversity Book Signing

Sun., Sept. 14 * 2-4pm 

 

The re-opening after our traditional Labor Day week closure coincides with a flood of fall activities at the Institute of Science. 

 

On September 14, the much anticipated Women of Vision exhibition opens at the Institute. Cranbrook is the first stop in the Midwest for the national tour of this exhibition. Celebrating the 125 year tradition of National Geographic Women of Vision focuses on the work of 11 female photographers who have documented all aspects of our planet in the 21st century. Striking photographic images and the stories they tell are sure to mesmerize. Members, don't forget to join us for a special Members Only event on Thursday, September 18.

 

If you have not yet explored The Science of Sight, Light & Illusion, please plan to soon!  This child-friendly complement to Women of Vision is sure to entertain.  Real cow and sheep eyes, the chance to "see" like a bee or snake does, and the opportunity to find out which animal has an eyeball the size of a soccer ball are all part of the fun!   

 

Fall means it's time to reveal the science behind the scary of Halloween when we present Halloween Science on Saturday, October 18. This event is the Institute's most popular and just-spookiest-enough annual event. We hope you'll join us for this memorable experience. Register soon as this event sells out!

 

We look forward to seeing you soon.

 

Go Science!

PNC and Cranbrook Institute of Science are collaborating to present the first Midwest stop for Women of Vision: National Geographic Photographers on Assignment starting September 14 and continuing through December 30 at the Institute of Science. Showcasing the influential work of 11 award-winning female photojournalists from National Geographic in nearly 100 photographs, Women of Vision explores the stories of our planet including its people, geography, wildlife and cultures in the 125-year tradition of National Geographic.  In the last decade, some of the most powerful and important stories published by National Geographic have featured the photographic work of a trailblazing new generation of women. From the savannahs of Botswana and rainforests of New Guinea to the war torn streets of Libya and Afghanistan, and the beaches of the Jersey Shore to the Mongolian steppe, Women of Vision distills the work of these photographers and the powerful stories their photos tell into a compelling look at life on our planet in the 21st Century. Free with admission. Click here to learn more. 

 

Vampire Bats, owls, screaming ghosts, blazing pumpkins, cockroach races, and a haunted rollercoaster ride in the planetarium are all part of the Institute's 2014 Halloween Science event on Saturday, October18. Dr. Kelp will recount his exploits in the Great Sand Sea of western Egypt searching for the source of the mystical Libyan Desert Glass scarab found in King Tutankhamen's breast plate, and Institute Scientists will reveal the science behind the scary through hands-on activities. Costumes are encouraged. Two sessions offer flexibility in planning. For details, or to register, visit our event page. 

The Great Lakes Association of Astronomy Clubs (GLAAC) celebrates the 18th Annual Kensington Astronomy at the Beach event at Kensington Metropark from 6pm until midnight on September 26 and 27. The event runs 6pm to midnight rain or shine both nights. Outdoor astronomy activities will include the viewing of sunspots, the creation of a "comet" using dry ice and common household ingredients, telescope usage tips, and much more. Stop by the pavilion to meet with Cranbrook Astronomers and learn more about astronomy programs at the Institute of Science. There is no admission fee to attend but a Metropark vehicle pass is required. If you don't have a yearly pass, a daily vehicle pass can be purchased at the gate for just $5. More information can be found at http://www.glaac.org/.

 

The Organization for Bat Conservation and the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum will co-host this year's "Great Lakes Bat Festival" on September 27, 2014. Explore the amazing world of bats at this free, family-friendly event. All activities will be held at the Morris Lawrence Center at Washtenaw Community College, 

4800 E. Huron Drive in Ann Arbor, Michigan on September 27, 2014 from 10am to 5pm. The event is filled with hands-on science activities, live animal programs and lectures designed to excite children and adults about these fascinating creatures.  Visitors will have the chance to explore a "bat cave," meet acclaimed "Stella Luna" author Janell Cannon and build bat houses for our national forests. Bat experts and scientists will be on hand to share research on the threats facing bats including White-nose Syndrome and wind turbines. And throughout the day, live bats shows will include Vampire bats, Big Brown bats, and the Malayan Flying Fox, the largest bat in the world with a six-foot wingspan. To learn more about the festival, visit www.batconservation.org. 

Cranbrook Art Museum, courtesy of PNC Bank, offers a day of nautical activities on Sunday, September 28. The event is built around a lecture by Geoffrey Reynolds, Director of the Joint Archives of Holland at Hope College, who will discuss "Plastic Fantastic" - Michigan's  connection to the fiberglass boat-building industry. Visitors can tour the current exhibitions, see classic boats near the Orpheus Fountain, and make their own screen-printed T-shirt right on the Peristyle. Kids can create and launch their own boat in the Triton Pools. All activities are free with paid Museum admission. Children under 12 are always free at Cranbrook Art Museum. Collections Wing and Saarinen House tours are available at an additional charge. For more information, including a detailed schedule of events, please visit our website.