Boeing’s Above and Beyond Interactive Exhibit Lands at St Louis Science Center

Jan 19, 2016 Joe Kleiman Museums, News, Uncategorized 0

St. Louis, MO, USA — On Friday, Jan. 29, the Saint Louis Science Center will open “Above and Beyond,” a new interactive exhibition exploring the wonder and science of flight and the transformative innovations that shape advances in aerospace. The exhibition is presented by Boeing in celebration of the company’s 100th anniversary in 2016. St. Louis will be the second U.S. stop on the five-year tour that will also include several international destinations.

“Innovations in aerospace have improved the way of life for people around the world, and we are excited that this exhibition helps visitors engage with the innovation, design and science that drive the remarkable achievements, while also having fun,” said Bert Vescolani, president and CEO of the Saint Louis Science Center. “We are excited to host ‘Above and Beyond,’ which will educate visitors, while providing an entertaining experience. Our mission is to ignite and sustain lifelong science and technology learning, and we believe that offering exciting and engaging exhibits like this helps spark that interest and inspire a new generation of innovators.”

The 5,000-square-foot “Above and Beyond” exhibition offers unprecedented interactive experiences to inspire curiosity in, and exploration of, advances in aerospace, from the first powered flights to the newest innovations in aircraft and spaceflight.

After entering an immersive wraparound theater, visitors venture into five galleries comprising dozens of interactive displays. Exhibit-goers can ride to the edge of space in a simulated space elevator or test their own supersonic fighter-jet design in a virtual high-speed flying competition. A group flying experience with motion-sensing image capture helps visitors learn what it’s like to fly like a bird in a flock, while exploring the forces of flight.

Hands-on interactive, touch-table displays and augmented reality are examples of exhibit technology offering an experiential understanding of the scientific concepts behind flight and space travel.

“The impressive technology, design and spirit of this ‘Above and Beyond’ exhibit bring to life the amazing contributions that companies like Boeing have made to the aerospace industry in the past, and provide a glimpse into the possibilities of the future,” said Jim O’Neill, senior St. Louis site executive, Boeing Defense Space & Security. “We hope the experiences children have in this exhibit will inspire curiosity and lead them to become future innovators, engineers or business leaders.”

“Above and Beyond” will tour three venues a year, stopping at each venue for approximately three months. The U.S. exhibition tour is projected to draw 4.5 million to 5.5 million visitors. Tour stops will include St. Louis, Charleston, S.C., Seattle, Chicago and Houston, among other cities.

The tour in 2016 coincides with Boeing’s centennial celebration, during which the Saint Louis Science Center will host the exhibition from January to May. “Above and Beyond” will also launch around the world in the Middle East, Asia and Europe.

“Above and Beyond” is produced by Evergreen Exhibitions in association with Boeing, in collaboration with NASA and the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, and in educational collaboration with The Museum of Flight in Seattle.

For more information on the “Above and Beyond” exhibition at the Saint Louis Science Center, please visit slsc.org.