WHATS HAPPENING IN DECEMBER 2013
AT THE SCIENCE MUSEUM OF MINNESOTA

Holiday shopping ideas abound at the Science Museum
As the holiday season gathers steam, shoppers will want to include the Science Museum in their gift-giving plans. They can treat their relatives, neighbors, and friends to a full year of hands-on science fun! A gift membership to the Science Museum allows its recipient free museum admission, free tickets to Omnitheater films, and discounts on special exhibitions for a full year from the date of activation. Gift memberships may be purchased at www.smm.org, via phone at (651) 221-9444, or at the Science Museums Box Office. Please note: gift memberships must be purchased by December 12 to guarantee delivery by December 24. For more information on the Science Museums gift membership program, visit www.smm.org/members.

The Science Museums Explore Store is another great resource for holiday shoppers. Theyll find a unique selection of science-related gifts - from chemistry kits to posters and books to beautiful jewelry and art pieces. For Explore Store hours, visit www.smm.org/shop .

Social Science: Tinkerers Ball is December 5
The Science Museum of Minnesota isnt just for kids! On Thursday evening, December 5, from 6 to 11 p.m., the museum will again host Social Science, when it opens its doors exclusively to ages 21 and up, giving them access to the museums exhibits and programs at a more relaxed pace. Theyll enjoy food and drink, music, special adult-oriented programming, live theater performances, film screenings and more. In December, our Social Science theme is Tinkerers Ball!

At Social Science: Tinkerers Ball, makers, DIYers, and crafters will unite as we celebrate inventors, artists, geeks and plain every day folk who mix new and old technology to create newfangled marvels. Visitors will discover their own inner makers and create with us at this popular adults-only. Visitors to Social Science must present a valid 21+ ID to gain entrance to the museum. For more information as details are confirmed, visit www.smm.org/socialscience . (**images from past events available**)

Maya: Hidden Worlds Revealed closes soon
The Science Museum of Minnesota is the world premiere venue of the largest traveling exhibition about the ancient Maya ever to be displayed in the United States. Maya: Hidden Worlds Revealed, a 15,000 square-foot hands-on exhibition that sheds light on a mysterious and majestic ancient culture, will close on Sunday, January 5, 2014.

The ruined cities of the ancient Maya have captured our imaginations since news of their discovery in the jungles of Central America was published in the 1840s. Extensive research has uncovered a culture with a sophisticated worldview that, during its Classic period (250-900 AD), rivaled any civilization in Europe.

Maya: Hidden Worlds Revealed uses a combination of hundreds of authentic artifacts, immersive environments, multimedia components, and hands-on activities to explore the rise and eventual decline of these fascinating ancient cities. It is designed to give visitors a glimpse at a cross-section of Maya life from divine kings who ruled powerful cities to the artisans and laborers who formed the backbone of Maya society. Visitors will see spectacular examples of Maya artistry made by masters of their craft, along with objects from everyday life. Theyll also get a close look at the scientific work being carried out at key Maya sites across Central America to understand exactly how we know what we know of the once-hidden Maya of the ancient past.

Maya: Hidden Worlds Revealed will be open during regular Science Museum hours through January 5, 2014. As with past special exhibitions, admission to Maya will be timed and dated. For more information, visit www.smm.org/maya or call (651) 221-9444. (**images available**)

Now showing in the Omnitheater: Mystery of the Maya
A visit to the world premiere Maya: Hidden Worlds Revealed exhibition wouldnt be complete without a trip to the Omnitheater to see Mystery of the Maya. The perfect complement to the Maya exhibition, Mystery of the Maya takes Omnitheater viewers on a journey back in time with the explorers who unearthed this majestic ancient civilization in the jungles of Central America in the early 19th century. Mystery of the Maya is now open.

Filmed on location at numerous sacred sites throughout the Maya regions, Mystery of the Maya is the first giant screen film to explore the science and the history of this fascinating culture. It features re-enactments of the archaeological expeditions that uncovered what we know today about the Maya of the Classic period (250-900 AD), considers some of the most remarkable Maya achievements in mathematics, writing, astronomy and calendrics, and ends with some insights into why so many cities were abandoned. Viewers will dig into the story of the Maya and wonder at the vastness and grandeur of their once-hidden ancient cities in a movie experience that only the Omnitheater can provide.

Mystery of the Maya will show during regular museum hours. For ticket prices, show times, and reservations, visitors may log on to www.smm.org . (**images available**)

Need a break from homework? Students get smart on Friday nights!
Every Friday after 5 p.m., the Science Museum offers a great deal on museum admission for students. Visitors with a valid student ID can present it at the box office to take advantage of Student IDiscount: discounted pricing on any combination of museum admission, Omnitheater films, and special exhibits. This discount is not available online. For more information, visit www.smm.org/students or call (651) 221-9444.

Playdates are perfect for preschoolers
Every Tuesday between 10 a.m. and noon, the Science Museum offers preschool-appropriate activities that will keep little hands busy and little minds buzzing. A Preschool Playdates ticket (no charge for children under age five and $13 for adults) includes admission to the exhibit galleries, a take-home science experiment, preschool-perfect Science Live performances and science demonstrations, and discounts in the Explore Store and restaurants. For more information on Playdates at the Science Museum, visit www.smm.org/playdates or call (651) 221-9444.

Senior Tuesdays
The first and third Tuesday morning of each month is especially for seniors at the Science Museum. A Senior Tuesdays ticket includes admission to the general exhibit galleries, an Omnitheater ticket, and a free coffee break at Java Lab in the lobby. For more information, visit www.smm.org/seniors or call (651) 221-9444.

COMING SOON TO THE SCIENCE MUSEUM

Omnifest 2014 January 9 February 28, 2014
African Americans in Science event Saturday, January 18, 2014, 1 4 p.m.
Amantes de la Ciencia event Saturday, February 1, 2014, 1 4 p.m.
Social Science Thursday, February 6, 2014
American Indians in Science event Saturday, February 15, 2014, 1 4 p.m.
Asian Americans in Science event Saturday, February 22, 2014, 1 4 p.m.
Ultimate Dinosaurs exhibition Opens March 1, 2014
Dinosaurs Alive! Omnitheater film Opens March 1, 2014

PERMANENT ATTRACTIONS
With eight and a half acres of exhibits to explore, the Science Museum of Minnesota is the most popular museum attraction in the Upper Midwest. Popular features include:

• Collections Gallery: Visitors can trade in their natural objects like rocks, pinecones and shells for objects brought in by other visitors or provided by the museum at the popular Collectors Corner. This gallery also features selections from the collection of quack medical devices from the former Museum of Questionable Medical Devices.
• Dinosaurs and Fossils Gallery: Featuring amazing dinosaur and fossil displays and interactive exhibits, this gallery gives visitors an unparalleled opportunity to experience the museums world-class collection of prehistoric specimens. Highlights include one of worlds largest and most complete mounted Triceratops and a 2,000-square-foot primeval swamp exhibit.
• Experiment Gallery: Visitors learn through experimenting with concepts in the physical sciences and mathematics. They can experiment with fluid power in the hydraulics lab, watch a tornado form right before their eyes, discover the science of light and reflection and join volunteers in exploring optics, magnets and motors, electrochemistry and more at the Activity Station.
• Human Body Gallery: Visitors explore what makes us human and what keeps us alive. Highlights include the Cell Lab, where visitors can don a lab coat and examine their own cheek cells under a microscope, and the Bloodstream Superhighway, a larger-than-life virtual blood vessel that surrounds exhibits about the circulatory system.
• Mississippi River Gallery: Interactive exhibits like an authentic, climb-aboard towboat, encourage visitors to examine the influence the river has on their lives, as well as the impact their actions have on the rivers complex ecosystem.

VISITOR INFORMATION
For advance tickets, call (651) 221-9444 or visit www.smm.org . Discounts are available for groups or individuals with limited incomes. For a complete list of admission prices, please visit www.smm.org/tickets or call (651) 221-9444.

LOCATION AND PARKING
The Science Museum of Minnesota is located at 120 Kellogg Boulevard in downtown St. Paul. For specific directions, call (651) 221-9444 or visit www.smm.org .

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Media Contact:

Sarah Imholte

PR Coordinator

(651) 221-9412,

simholte@smm.org