Wild Weather to Open at Fernbank Museum of Natural History

Wild Weather, a new traveling exhibition that explores extreme weather phenomena, will open January 28, 2017, at Fernbank Museum of Natural History. An immersive, experiential exhibition, Wild Weather illustrates severe weather as a powerful and unpredictable force. The exhibition, which takes visitors on a tour of severe winter storms, destructive hurricanes, extreme heat, and everything in between, will be on view through May 7, 2017.

The eight exhibit zones of Wild Weather lead visitors through a series of extreme weather experiences to gain an understanding of the science behind severe weather, its connection to climate change, emerging technologies and forecasting techniques. Upon entering the exhibition, visitors delve into the science behind tornadoes, hurricanes, heat waves, thunderstorms and severe winter storms through interactive exhibits, multimedia experiences, models and large-scale graphics. They experience what it’s like to fly a research aircraft through a hurricane, view the destruction of tornadoes, follow turbulent cloud formations and lightning strikes, become a citizen scientist in the midst of a raging winter storm, and meet a researcher studying the force of wind in the lab.

“Wild Weather is incredibly pertinent to Atlanta residents because we experience everything from winter storms to tornadoes to heat waves in our region – all of which are featured in the exhibition. Fernbank is excited to offer the opportunity for guests to delve into current severe weather science, discover cutting edge technology and investigate the stories of scientists, forecasters and passionate enthusiasts,” said Kaden Borseth, Fernbank’s Director of Teen and Family Programs.

In the Tornado zone, visitors have a chance to track tornadoes using the most up-to-date technology, discover the inner workings of this fierce form of weather, experiment with mini-tornadoes, and explore the impact of climate change on tornado formation and frequency. Moving into the Severe Thunderstorm zone, visitors experience a thunderstorm like never before as they are “struck” by lightning in slow motion and discover how lightning forms. They also learn how damaging winds, hail, and heavy rain contribute to a severe thunderstorm’s ferocity.

Visitors of all ages are invited to dance up a storm in the Experience the Weather zone. As they create movement, energy is added into the storm system, provoking storm elements that allow guests to see the power and effects of severe weather firsthand.

Severe winter storms, heat waves and hurricanes are also explored in the exhibition. Visitors uncover the science behind weather all around the world and learn how exciting new discoveries are unraveling many of weather’s mysteries.

Wild Weather is developed and produced by Science North in partnership with the Ontario Science Centre.

SPECIAL PROGRAMMING: Wild Weather Day will take place on Saturday, February 4 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. This family event allows guests to explore severe weather phenomena through hands-on activities, including crafts, experiments and demonstrations, as well as opportunities to immerse themselves in the extreme weather conditions found in Wild Weather.

Visitors can also see severe weather in 3D in Fernbank’s all-new Giant Screen Theater with showings of the film Extreme Weather 3D – Fernbank’s first-ever Giant Screen film offered in 3D. “Extreme Weather 3D” takes moviegoers on a dramatic journey with storm-chaser and filmmaker Sean Casey to destinations with extreme weather conditions including wildfires in the Western United States and deadly, but mesmerizing, tornadoes in the plains.

“Extreme Weather 3D” opens in Fernbank’s Giant Screen Theater on February 4, 2017. (A separate film ticket is required to include Extreme Weather 3D.)

Additionally, guests can enjoy Wild Weather during Fernbank’s very first adults-only event, Fernbank After Dark. Featuring exclusive Museum access for ages 21+, Fernbank After Dark is a monthly event curated for young professionals to offer a variety of unique after-hours experiences, including evening access to Museum exhibitions, live music, full bars, tapas menus, films in the Giant Screen Theater, and all-new science discoveries. Activities and science themes change regularly along with a variety of fun and immersive programming.

This all-new event will be offered the second Friday of each month from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Demonstrations and activities will be held from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and live entertainment will begin at 9:45 p.m.

HOURS AND TICKETS: Wild Weather is included with Museum admission. Tickets are $18 for adults, $17 for seniors, $16 for children ages 3-12, free for children 2 and under, and free for Fernbank members. Value Pass tickets, which include Museum admission and a giant screen film, are $22-$26.

Fernbank Museum of Natural History is located at 767 Clifton Road NE in Atlanta. The Museum is open Monday – Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday noon to 5 p.m. Tickets and visitor information are available at fernbankmuseum.org or 404.929.6400.