Courtesy Photo / The Witte Museum
Spiders – From Fear to Fascination includes a variety of interactive experiences.
The museum's latest exhibition, Spiders — From Fear to Fascination debuts in the Kathleen and Curtis Gunn Gallery on Saturday, Sept. 28, and it aims to debunk myths surrounding these misunderstood members of the animal kingdom.
The exhibition was designed by experts at the Australian Museum and features 250 spider specimens, including 16 live ones, such as the black widow and brown recluse. The immersive nature of the exhibit showcases how this diverse group of creatures evolved and thrived for more than 300 million years.
“[Spiders] are at the center of many Halloween decorations, but they are not really put into the context of the natural world," Witte President and CEO Dirk Elmendorf said. "This exhibition uses both interactive experiences and live spiders to celebrate their diversity and importance in our ecosystem. I hope that this will help people see their next encounter with a spider in a new light."
In addition to the real specimens, interactive virtual elements allow guests to explore some of the more than 48,000 known spider species, including their anatomy, behavior and diet. There's even an augmented reality component that allows visitors hold digital spiders in their hands.
Visitors also will gain insight into groundbreaking research about how spider silk and venom hold potential for advancements in medical fields including heart surgery and pain management.
Spiders – From Fear to Fascination will be on view at the Witte through Jan. 5, 2025. The exhibition is $6 plus general museum admission. Tickets are available online or at the museum's admissions desk.
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The exhibition was designed by experts at the Australian Museum and features 250 spider specimens, including 16 live ones, such as the black widow and brown recluse. The immersive nature of the exhibit showcases how this diverse group of creatures evolved and thrived for more than 300 million years.
“[Spiders] are at the center of many Halloween decorations, but they are not really put into the context of the natural world," Witte President and CEO Dirk Elmendorf said. "This exhibition uses both interactive experiences and live spiders to celebrate their diversity and importance in our ecosystem. I hope that this will help people see their next encounter with a spider in a new light."
Visitors also will gain insight into groundbreaking research about how spider silk and venom hold potential for advancements in medical fields including heart surgery and pain management.
Spiders – From Fear to Fascination will be on view at the Witte through Jan. 5, 2025. The exhibition is $6 plus general museum admission. Tickets are available online or at the museum's admissions desk.
Subscribe to SA Current newsletters.
Follow us: Apple News | Google News | NewsBreak | Reddit | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter| Or sign up for our RSS Feed
