Discover The Science Behind Circus!

Honolulu – The colorful, interactive and educational extravaganza of Circus! Science under the Big Top opens Saturday, February 13, 2010 at Bishop Museum’s Castle Memorial Building.  This exhibit, which runs till May 2, 2010, brings the excitement of the circus to Honolulu in a way that has never been done before.

Science has always had an important role in the circus – and now more than ever the circus relies upon a balance of artistry and science to meet new challenges and fulfill audience expectations.  Circus!  Science under the Big Top explores the science behind the circus.

Throughout the exhibit there will be a variety of circus highlights where visitors can experience first hand different circus stunts.  For example, they can safely strap into a harness and walk on a high wire that is suspended eight feet off the ground; or safely practice aerodynamic aerobics.  Circus also features dress-up areas that will hold the imagination of even the youngest visitors.  Other areas of the exhibit explore sword swallowing, contortion (Can you squeeze into this small box?), animal communication and circus sounds.  

On February 13th, visitors to Bishop Museum will also get the extra benefit of attending the 10th Annual Mary Kawena Pukui Performing Arts Festival that takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  For that Saturday only a special admission rate of $5 for kama‘āina and military (proper identification required); children 3 and under are free.  Regular admission rates apply for all other visitors. 

This festival features storytelling, song, dance, and cultural activities.  For more about the Mary Kawena Pukui Performing Arts Festival, please visit http://www.bishopmuseum.org/media/2010/pr10007.html.

“This is a fantastic chance for people to take advantage of the performing arts festival and be among the first to experience Circus!” said Mike Shanahan, Director of Exhibits and Education.

In keeping with the circus theme there will be a special acrobatic performance by Samadhi Hawai‘i at 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Circus!  Science under the Big Top premiered at the Ontario Science Centre in June 2001 and began travelling in June 2002.  Contributing sponsors for Circus! Science under the Big Top at Bishop Museum are Horizon Lines and C.N. Wodehouse Bishop Museum Trust, Bank of Hawaii Trustee.

Bishop Museum is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; closed on Tuesdays.  For more information, please visit www.bishopmuseum.org or call 847-3511.

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