DETROIT – This fall, the Michigan Science Center is celebrating the award-winning exhibition, 1001 Inventions: Untold Stories from a Golden Age of Innovation.
It opens Saturday, October 7.
The exhibition will return to the United States after an absence of five years, making Detroit the fourth U.S. location to host this experience. Previous U.S. locations included New York, California and Washington, D.C. 1001 Inventions features a diverse range of engaging and educational experiences to reveal groundbreaking achievements stretching from Spain to China during a period often referred to as the “Dark Ages” in Europe.
Through more than 60 exhibits, short films, live science shows, hands-on workshops and learning resources, MiSci visitors will be introduced to the Golden Age of Science in Muslim Civilization and the achievements of both women and men of different cultures and faiths during the period leading up to the European Renaissance. These innovations built upon the knowledge of ancient civilizations and offered breakthroughs that still influence our world today.
“The pace of technological innovation has accelerated rapidly during the last century, and there is a strong case to be made that the Detroit area is one of the current epicenters of innovation,” said Dr. Tonya Matthews, Michigan Science Center president and CEO. “The things that give us all pride in our city – hard work, curiosity, diversity, and the drive to go beyond our own expectations – were also hallmarks of the successes of Muslim Civilization during the Golden Age. We are honored to host this award-winning exhibition and hope it inspires all children and all communities to be curious and to discover and explore careers in STEM.”
“1001 Inventions is delighted to launch at the Michigan Science Center,” said Ahmed Salim, co-founder and director of 1001 Inventions. “This is an exciting, myth-busting exhibition that aims to inspire ambition in young people to find solutions to societal challenges of today, and help build a better future for our world.”
1001 Inventions is designed to incite curiosity and inspire creativity and innovation among the next generation and to support a growing economy focused on STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) careers. The exhibition provides exciting learning opportunities inspiring the study of STEM, while promoting intercultural appreciation and fostering mutual understanding and social inclusion.
“The Golden Age of Science in Muslim Civilization was an era when people of diverse cultures, faiths and backgrounds worked for the common good,” said Dr. Dima El-Gamal of The Friends of 1001 Inventions Michigan – an active local community group whose efforts helped to bring the exhibition to Michigan and make it free to all visitors of the Michigan Science Center. “We believe that this exhibition will showcase our diversity, improve community cohesion, encourage curiosity and contribute to revitalizing Detroit.”
Entry to 1001 Inventions will be free for the general public and all school groups with the purchase of general admission, which includes access to 250+ hands-on exhibits, live stage shows, lab activities and more. The exhibit closes on January 7, 2018.
“MiSci has been honored to be part of Detroit’s resurgence over the last few years, and we are eager to take this opportunity to attract museum visitors from all over Michigan, as well as the entire Midwest region and across the Canadian border,” said Dr. Matthews.
Initially launched at the London Science Museum in 2010, 1001 Inventions was voted “Best Touring Exhibition 2011.” It has visited more than 30 cities around the world and has earned the endorsement of organizations such as UNESCO and National Geographic.
More information about 1001 Inventions, including volunteer opportunities, can be found at Mi-Sci.org/1001inventions.
