This summer, The Franklin Institute has been privileged to be the very first travel destination for a brand new special exhibit put together by the Museum of Science and Industry Chicago. This exhibit takes the everyday things we see out in the world and brings them under the microscope to examine their exquisite natural patterns. Mirror Maze: Numbers in Nature not only allows visitors to look closely at different kinds of patterns from different angles with a room full of interactive screens and displays, but it also invites them to step directly into one with the astounding 1700-square foot maze!
We often think of patterns as man-made or simple accidental sequences, but the amazing truth is that the natural world is a design made up of uniform shapes and angles that seem almost surreal the more one is aware of them. From honeycombs and dragonfly wings to fans of coral and spots on giraffes, the mathematical patterns are both precise and beautiful. Every part of the exhibit is factually fascinating as well just plain fun to interact with. There is a futuristic feel to the touchscreens and the layout that juxtapose nicely with the natural elements on display. We really enjoyed the whole thing and spent a lot of time at each station.
Obviously, the biggest draw of the exhibit is the Mirror Maze itself. Quick Tip: Don't go too quickly or you will discovered what a bird feels like when it hits a window. (We now know why it is so hard to catch the bad guy in all those movies when they wander in a fun house during a chase.) With the angled set up of the mirrors, everyone's reflections seem to be everywhere at once or suddenly no where depending on where they are standing. For awhile we thought we were following a guy in front of us, who suddenly stepped out behind us! Added to the maze are extra exhibit facts and finds that only show up if you happen to wander close enough to where they are. The whole Mirror Maze is loads of fun and best experienced with someone else to venture in with you.
Mirror Maze: Numbers in Nature will be on display through September 4th.
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