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Planet Shark: Predator or Prey opens November 3 at Museum of Nature & Science

Massive exhibit to feature full-size models including an 18-foot Great White, fossils dating back 380 million years, ginormous jaws, thousands of teeth, interactive displays, Jaws® movie memorabilia and more, plus Sharks IMAX® film for the ultimate out-of-water shark experience

DALLAS, TX, USA – Billed as the biggest blockbuster exhibition to hit the Museum of Nature & Science since BODYWORLDS and marking only its second stop in the United States, Planet Shark: Predator or Prey will bring the ultimate out-of-water shark experience to Fair Park November 3, 2011, through September 16, 2012. Featuring explanations and examinations of almost every aspect of the shark, from evolution and biology to popular culture and the fin trade, this massive traveling exhibition will guide visitors through the murky myths and fascinating facts that have surrounded sharks for centuries. To expand the experience, the popular IMAX® film SHARKS, presented by Jean-Michel Cousteau, also will open November 3 giving museum goers a chance to take a virtual journey underwater with the ocean’s oldest predator. As a special opportunity, the Museum of Nature & Science will offer the Twin Fin value package, which includes admission to the Planet Shark exhibit andSHARKS IMAX® film at discounted rates.

Created by Grande Exhibitions of Australia and spanning 12,000 square feet and five galleries, Planet Shark: Predator or Prey will feature displays of full-scale specimen models including an 18-foot Great White, row-after-row of rare fossils dating as far back as 380 million years, thousands of teeth and mega-sized jaws. Fascinating interview footage from shark attack survivors, images and other archives will be on view, plus movie memorabilia including original posters, props, dive cages and more from the 1975 classic Jaws.

“This is the largest exhibit we’ve ever hosted – it’s even bigger than BODYWORLDS,” said Paul Vinson, director of exhibits for the Museum. “It’s 12,000 square feet of sharks from all over the world and all through time, including fossils, jaws and teeth, full-size models, and even frozen specimens. It’s about as close as you can get to diving with the sharks without a boat!”

Presented by marine biologist Jean-Michel Cousteau, SHARKS provides a close encounter with what is perceived to be the deadliest hunter in the water. The stunning documentary shows sharks as they really are in their natural habitat – not wicked man-eating creatures but wild and fascinating animals that have been in existence since a million years before dinosaurs roamed the earth. Audiences will experience what it’s like when divers face off with these infamous creatures and get some surprising information about their watery world.

The film required two years of production, an extensive nine-month filming expedition at nine locations, 500 dive hours and 100 hours of footage.

“The stunning images really place you in the middle of the colorful undersea world,” said Vinson. “Along with incredible shark encounters, audiences will get up close with sea lions, be surrounded by huge schools of fish and get so near to manta rays and jellyfish swimming past that they will feel like they can reach out and touch them! SHARKS isn’t just a movie, it’s an exhilarating experience!”

Admission to Planet Shark: Predator or Prey requires a surcharge in addition to the purchase of MNS general admission for a total admission cost of $18 for adults (18-61); $16 for seniors (62+) and students (12-17); $13 for children (2-11); and only $5 for MNS members of all ages. Children under 2 are free. Planet Shark will be on display in the MNS Science Building at 1318 S. 2nd Avenue in Fair Park from November 3, 2011 through September 16, 2012. 

Martin Palicki
Martin Palicki
Martin Palicki owns and publishes InPark Magazine. Started in 2004, InPark Magazine provides owners and operators the perspective from "in"side the "park." Martin has also written for publications like Sound & Communications, Lighting & Sound America, Attractions Management and others. Martin has been featured in Time Magazine, CNN.com and Folio. Martin lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.

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