Science North developing 'extraordinary' exhibit

In March 2013, Science North will be giving visitors the opportunity to experience the extraordinary collection of intriguing objects and astonishing artifacts from Ripley’s Believe It or Not!

The province, through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation, is investing $750,000 in support of Science North’s ninth travelling exhibition, The Science of Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, set to make its world premiere in Sudbury in March 2013.

An additional $250,000 contribution is being invested to help launch a new training and learning partnership between the science centre and Collège Boréal.

When the exhibit is up and running, visitors will be able to crawl through a life-size model of the prehistoric snake, Titanoboa, measure up against the world’s tallest man who grew to 8-11 (2.7 metres) tall, and marvel at intricate micro-sculptures so small, they fit in the eye of a needle.

Visitors will also be able to see a two-headed calf, a Megalodon Shark jaw, a replica Rolls Royce made of matchsticks and a portrait of Einstein made of toast. Some of the world’s most perplexing optical illusions will also be on display.

“Science North sustains itself as a magnificent and viable tourism destination by continuing to develop exciting new features and attractions,” said Sudbury MPP Rick Bartolucci, minister of Northern Development and Mines and chair of the NOHFC. “We congratulate the centre’s team for building travelling exhibits that attract visitors to Sudbury and generate significant revenue as they tour North America.”

“Travelling exhibits are important to Northern Ontario. First, they attract tourists to the north and provide a significant element of change at our science centres, which is critical to our success,” said Guy Labine, Science North CEO. “We’re thankful for the province’s support on this exciting project, and are looking forward to also working with Collège Boréal on a new skill development and mentorship program.”

The aim of that program is to cross-train students in the carpentry and stage management programs, teaching them about the exciting and creative world of exhibit development and delivery, Labine said. Their involvement will offer them a greater understanding of the varied and unique career opportunities in these respective fields, and will also contribute to the long-term sustainability of exhibit development in Northern Ontario.
 

Sudbury MPP Rick Bartolucci, chair of the NOHFC, was called upon to help remove a sword from the throat of Ripley's entertainer, Tyler Fyre on Nov. 15 as Science North unveiled plans for its ninth travelling exhibition, The Science of Ripley's Believe It or Not! Photo by Marg Seregelyi.

“Offering an innovative post-secondary learning experience as part of an internationally renowned attraction, this partnership between Collège Boréal and Science North is a first,” said Denis Hubert-Dutrisac. “Thanks to Science North, our community has already taken advantage of environmental presentations offered by our faculty, a new gallery featuring preserved animals and hands-on training opportunities at Dynamic Earth, in the mining sector. Today, NOHFC support is opening new skill areas in the entertainment industry as well as job opportunities for Collège Boréal graduates.”

The exhibit is still in the development phase and already 50 per cent of the available leases have been reserved, said Science North Chief Operating Officer Brenda Tremblay. The fact that other attractions are taking such an early interest in this travelling exhibit reinforces for the science centre that it will be a big hit with local audience, and for visitors during our peak tourism seasons.

“The fact that a world-renowned brand like Ripley’s Believe It or Not! is excited to collaborate with Science North to develop this exhibit also speaks volumes about Science North as a strong producer of multimedia and travelling exhibit products,” she said.