October 6, 2020
What:
When the Science Museum of Virginia opened the traveling exhibition “Giant Insects” on January 18, 2020, it expected guests to visit the larger-than-life bugs through the end of August. But the pandemic-induced closure meant guests missed out on nearly six months of time to explore the exhibition.
That was bugging Museum staff, so to give guests more time to see “Giant Insects” while it’s in Richmond – and to help squash their fear of bugs – the Museum is extending the exhibition through early next year.
When:
The “Giant Insects” exhibition will now close Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021.
Who:
Insect lovers and curious-minded guests of all ages are invited to explore six enormous, robotic insects ranging from 40 to 120 times larger than life size; numerous stations to understand how insects eat, their camouflage techniques and identify insect sounds; and terrariums with live bugs.
Designed by California-based Kokoro Exhibits, “Giant Insects” blends art and science with impressive animatronic insects that move like their real-life counterparts. Big bugs depicted in the exhibition include the desert locust, which has a 20-foot wing span; two rhinoceros beetles engaged in mortal combat; a tranquil wiggling caterpillar that, in adulthood, would become a Swallowtail butterfly; a 60-times life size praying mantis; and the master-of-disguise stick insect camouflaging with Mother Nature.
While the Museum’s Animal Lab is still closed, guests can view live arthopods in “Giant Insects,” including tarantulas, a vinegaroon, millipedes, several species of beetles and hissing cockroaches.
Why:
By switching the guests’ perspective and putting them the size of the bug and the bug the size of the guest, “Giant Insects” helps guests better understand the complexity and diversity in the insect world and appreciate that they are an important part of our ecosystem.
Where:
Science Museum of Virginia, 2500 W. Broad St., Richmond, VA 23220
Museum operating hours are Wednesday through Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
How:
“Giant Insects” is included with Museum admission. Museum members and children two and under are admitted free. The Museum offers discounts for military, teachers and EBT cardholders. Call 804.864.1400 for details about reserving tickets with the discount code.
The Museum has made adjustments to operating procedures, including purchasing tickets online in advance, to help ensure a safe environment for all who enter the building. Guests are encouraged to review the reopening policies on the Museum’s website at www.smv.org/welcome before their visit.
“Giant Insects” is sponsored locally by Strange’s Florists, Greenhouses, & Garden Centers.