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Project Descriptions

Abracadabra: The Science of Illusion -- A Traveling Exhibit

May 1, 1999 - April 30, 2002 | Public Programs, Exhibitions
The California Science Center will develop an exhibition, "Abracadabra: The Science of Illusion." This will be a 6000-sq.ft. traveling exhibit. The theme, the science behind magic, will help visitors understand that magic is based on the complex interplay between sensation, perception, physical science and math concepts, culture, and the art of performance. The goal of the exhibition is to use the public's fascination with magic as a bridge to learning basic science in the area of optics, electromagnetics, simple mechanics, math, physiology and psychology. The exhibit will include seven thematic sections and an enclosed theater for live and taped performances. The exhibition will open at the California Science Center in October, 2000 and then will travel to the six science centers that participate in the Science Museum Exhibit Collaborative. It is estimated about 4 million people will view the exhibition during its national tour.

Funders

NSF
Funding Program: ISE/AISL
Award Number: 9814986
Funding Amount: 1253737

TEAM MEMBERS

  • Diane Perlov
    Principal Investigator
    California Science Center
  • Discipline: Art, music, and theater | Life science | Mathematics | Physics | Social science and psychology
    Audience: General Public | Museum/ISE Professionals
    Environment Type: Public Programs | Theater Programs | Exhibitions | Museum and Science Center Exhibits

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