The grand opening gala attracts approximately 500 visitors as “Humachines” begin 5-year tour AND the museum is awarded $82,000 grant by Idaho Stem Action Center as a direct result!
MOI banner announces special exhibit
Take seven 19th Century visionaries – authors, scientists, inventors – reimagine them as embodying their ideas and coming back to life as the machines they created, and you have the heart of “Discover Steampunk” – a touring Steampunk art exhibit designed to introduce brand-new audiences – young and old alike– to a movement that captures the imagination and reinvents modern technology in the aesthetic of Victorian era materials, sensibilities, and ethos of craftsmanship.
Steampunk Spirit in Idaho – Almost half of the opening night attendees came dressed for the occasion.
First stop, Idaho Falls, ID.
“Discover Steampunk is Idaho’s first official Steampunk Art & Science Exhibition,” said curator Bruce Rosenbaum, owner of ModVic, LLC. “It’s also the first that is focused on S.T.E.A.M. (science, technology, engineering, art, and math).”
If you have not seen or experienced “Humachines” yourself, they are a collection of life-size sculptures that pay homage to authors and inventors whose visionary concepts captured the imaginations of the public. For example, author Jules Verne, who wrote “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea,” morphs into the Nautilus – a futuristic submarine in his story. Likewise, H.G. Wells becomes a fused human/machine version of his own time machine.
Other well-know personalities like Mary Shelley and Isaac Singer are represented as well. While lesser known inventors, like Jan Matzeliger, whose work helped make shoes more affordable for the general public, get their moment in the “Humachine” spotlight, too.
When education is fun, it doesn’t even feel like “learning”.
One aspect of the Museum of Idaho (MOI) that made it a great fit for hosting this exhibit is their quest for multi-disciplinary learning experiences. MOI leaders seek out ways to engage visitors and inspire future generations with special exhibits that teach new concepts in a fun and unique manner.
Beyond the “Humachine” sculptures, “Discover Steampunk” offers interactive features, such as playing a Theremin – an electronic musical instrument that generates sound from just hand movements through the air – and piloting remote control dirigible airships – what’s cooler than that?!
One of the reasons Steampunk has such wide appeal is that while it touches the imagination it also goes deeper. It involves interactive themes like creative problem solving, repurposing antique objects, resiliency, and teamwork.
“There is this superficial eye-candy visual explosion that gets people through the door,” said Rosenbaum. “But for me, it really goes beyond that. I think Steampunk helps you grow a beautiful, creative and resilient mind.”
“Discover Steampunk” opened on May 11, 2018 and ran until January 6, 2019 before continuing its national tour. Steampunk talks and workshops were presented by Bruce Rosenbaum!
Interactive experience – MOI Steampunk exhibits allow visitors to get up close and personal while learning about science, art, and technology.