Enter a secret world of science and spectacle

HOUSTON – Magic—illusory feats of wonder that dazzle the eye and confound expectations—has fascinated humanity for centuries. Mesmerized by the masters of illusion who perform this mysterious craft, we’re drawn to the spectacle, curious to discover “How did they do that?”

Though their methods are enshrouded in secrecy, magicians combine the art of performance with a variety of scientific disciplines, including math, physics and psychology, to create their dazzling effects and fascinating illusions.

With a touch of hocus-pocus and a dash of abracadabra, the Houston Museum of Natural Science pulls a spectacular new exhibition out of its hat—Magic: The Science of Wonder, opening Friday, February 26, 2010. The extraordinary show examines how science and magic are intertwined through more than 100 fascinating artifacts and mesmerizing live performances. Magic is the perfect subject to inspire people of all ages, especially kids, to learn about the science behind magic and...

HUBBLE 3D BLASTS OFF FROM HMNS ON MARCH 19

Latest IMAX® 3D Space Adventure Narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio

Houston—For nearly 20 years, the Hubble Space Telescope has dazzled us with unprecedented views of the cosmos—from the splendor of our celestial neighborhood to galaxies billions of light years away.

On March 19, 2010 at the Houston Museum of Natural Science Wortham IMAX® Theatre, audiences will blast off alongside the Atlantis STS-125 crew, witness up-close some of the most challenging spacewalks ever performed, and experience virtual star travel via breath-taking, never-before-seen 3D flights through Hubble imagery. Recounting the amazing journey of the most important scientific instrument since Galileo’s original telescope, Hubble 3D will immerse moviegoers in the great wonders and astounding beauty of our universe.

“It’s been said that The IMAX Experience® is the next best thing to being in space, and with IMAX 3D,...

Fabergé: Imperial Jeweler to the Tsars

New exhibition featuring rare, spectacular designs of Peter Carl Fabergé opening at the Houston Museum of Natural Science, Nov. 13:

HOUSTON—Discover the spectacular designs of Peter Carl Fabergé, the master goldsmith and legendary jeweler still celebrated for his inventive designs and meticulous craftsmanship, through a special exhibition, Fabergé: Imperial Jeweler to the Tsars opening at the Houston Museum of Natural Science Nov. 13, 2009.

“There have been many Faberge exhibitions around the world over the last several decades. However, very few have showcased some of the most rare and spectacular masterpieces he created, which are on display in this special exhibition,” said Joel A. Bartsch, president of the Houston Museum of Natural Science. “The emphasis here is on the objects of luxury that he created—common, everyday objects that he developed with a sense of turning the everyday into the extraordinary. For example, visitors will see numerous...