New York, NY, USA (July 23, 2015) — Above and Beyond — The Ultimate Interactive Flight Exhibition, a groundbreaking exhibition exploring the wonder of flight and the marvels of aerospace innovation, design, and technology, will make its worldwide debut in Washington, D.C. at Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum on August 1.
Above and Beyond is produced by Evergreen Exhibitions in association with Boeing and in collaboration with NASA and the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum.
Above and Beyond uses fully immersive experiences to explore the impact of aerospace in our world – and beyond. Following its premiere, the exhibition will embark on a multi-city tour to major science centers and air-and-space museums worldwide. The 2015-2016 Above and Beyond tour schedule will include Washington, D.C., Dubai, St. Louis, Charleston (SC), Riyadh, Seattle, London, Tokyo and Chicago.
Explored through five key themes that define flight and space travel – Up, Faster, Higher, Farther, and Smarter – Above and Beyond is an education-based exhibition disguised as a thrilling, hands-on journey that provides visitors of all ages and interests with both retrospective and forward-thinking views on the innovation and science behind flight. The five themed galleries will feature dozens of interactive experiences made possible using flight simulation, augmented reality, touch-tables, design and skill challenges, virtual reality and more. “The tenacity of the human spirit couldn’t be more evident than in its never-ending quest to understand and explore the world around it,” said Jaiwon Shin, Associate Administrator for NASA’s Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate in Washington. “This exhibit is a celebration of the innovation that made flight possible during the last century, and serves as an inspiration for the next generation of aviation and space visionaries.”
Above and Beyond is designed to be the most interactive exhibition on aerospace ever to tour, with approximately 5,000 square feet of exhibition space, including a 180-degree immersive theater presentation, a high-tech media-rich historical timeline, a simulated space elevator ride, a challenge to design and test a supersonic fighter jet in a virtual high-speed flying competition, and an avatar-based motion-capture group experience that demonstrates flight like a bird.
“Aerospace has advanced by overcoming great challenges with imagination, skill and perseverance to change the world for the better, which gives this exhibit very broad appeal – it is by no means just for aviation enthusiasts,” said Roger D. Launius, Associate Director for Collections and Curatorial Affairs at Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum. “We use aerospace technology all the time, even when we’re not flying. This experience will help visitors understand not only how we’ve been using this technology to go about our daily lives, but also its benefits for a better and brighter tomorrow.”
Above and Beyond launches just as Boeing enters its second century of aerospace achievement. Supporting the exhibit is an important element of Boeing’s centennial commemoration, an unparalleled opportunity to share Boeing’s own rich legacy and culture of innovation through high quality, engaging education, and STEM-related activities.
“Above and Beyond represents an investment in inspiring curiosity in a new generation to enjoy, explore and create through science, engineering, and technology – and to generate belief in their ability to develop the skills to contribute in fields like aerospace as future designers, engineers or business leaders,” said John Tracy, Chief Technology Officer at Boeing. “A sense of wonder, discovery and the drive to change the world through innovation is woven into the fabric of our company and our industry and is reflected in the impressive technology, design, and spirit of this exhibit.”
