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Press Release
Get Into the Act with Magic: The Science of Illusion at the New York Hall of Science
4-04-08
Queens, N.Y. - Mind reading, levitation, a head without a body – is it magic or science? Visitors can explore the secrets behind their favorite magic tricks in Magic: The Science of Illusion, an interactive exhibition at the New York Hall of Science from June 28 – September 14. The exhibition, which includes original contributions from world-renowned magicians Penn & Teller, Goldfinger & Dove, Max Maven and Jade, allows visitors to become active participants in the magical illusions.
“Magicians can’t do the impossible, but by using basic scientific principles, they can appear to,” says Marilyn Hoyt, the President and CEO of the New York Hall of Science. “This exhibition provides a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the illusions that have been amazing spectators for ages.”
Magicians often act more like inventors, using psychology, physics, math, engineering and the art of performance to create innovative illusions and stunning effects. Magic: The Science of Illusion features four popular illusions: transformation, mind reading, levitation, and the disembodied head. Professional magicians introduce visitors to each illusion through original video presentations, and later invite them backstage to see how they perform the amazing tricks.
Goldfinger & Dove explain the secrets of their levitating Throne of Enlightenment, and Jade uses magic words – with a little help from electromagnetism – to make an empty box too heavy to lift. Max Maven uses math to read visitors’ minds, while Penn & Teller give aspiring magicians the opportunity to lose their heads – literally! Visitors can also explore the history of magic by examining artifacts including handcuffs Houdini once escaped from and consider the ways they use “magical thinking” in their own lives.
But magicians will never reveal all their secrets, and videos of additional illusions that cannot be done with the methods explained in the exhibit will still leave visitors mystified. At the intersection of science and magic, there is always room for wonder.
Magic: The Science of Illusion was developed by the California Science Center in cooperation with the Science Museum Exhibit Collaborative. It is also supported in part by the National Science Foundation. Advisors for Magic include magicians Penn & Teller, Goldfinger & Dove, Jade, Max Maven and the late Doug Henning, along with magic industry specialist Jim Steinmeyer and Milt Larsen.
Media Partner: WPLJ 95.5 FM.
Educational programs and materials associated with Magic: The Science of Illusion are made possible with support from Roslyn Savings Foundation.
The New York Hall of Science is New York City’s hands-on science and technology center. More than 400 interactive exhibits explore the wonder and excitement of biology, chemistry and physics. Admission is $11 for adults and $8 for children (ages 2-17), college students with valid ID, and seniors (62+). For hours, directions, and other information, please visit www.nyscience.org or call 718.699.0005.
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