Find Out “How to Make a Monster” at Science Museum of Virginia
Creatures and mechanical monsters come to life as the Science Museum of Virginia stages its new exhibit How to Make A Monster.
How To Make A Monster exposes the art and technology of animatronics behind creatures from the silver screen. This gripping exhibition explores the connection between science, engineering, technology and art as they work together to create some of your favorite beasts and bio-mechanical creatures from blockbuster films and TV shows. “We believe in the power of STEM at the Museum. This summer, we will be defining STEM as science, technology, engineering and monsters,” according to Rich Conti, chief wonder officer.
Showcasing the skills and processes involved in bringing a creature from the written page to the big screen, How To Make A
Monster features the work of visual effects artist and Academy Award winner John Cox. The exhibition displays a vast array of creatures created during Cox’s long-standing career in animatronics and visual effects – including flying aliens from Pitch
Black (2000) and the giant creeping crocodile in Peter Pan (2003).
At several creative workshop over the past few months, families were invited to bring their own monsters to life on paper and
using clay. Guests can become animatronic puppeteers, lighting technicians and creature designers as they get a first-hand look at iconic monsters like the abominable snowman, werewolves, dinosaurs and aliens – and watch the creations come to life right in front of their eyes.
