Planet Shark: Predator or Prey
Thursday, November 3, 2011 - Sunday, September 16, 2012
Museum of Nature & Science
Fair Park
1318 S. 2nd Ave. | Dallas, TX 75210 | 214-428-5555
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display [ENLARGE] |
Billed as the biggest blockbuster exhibition to hit the Museum of Nature & Science since BODYWORLDS and marking only its second stop in the United States, Planet Shark: Predator or Prey will bring the ultimate out-of-water shark experience to Fair Park November 3, 2011, through September 16, 2012. Featuring explanations and examinations of almost every aspect of the shark, from evolution and biology to popular culture and the fin trade, this massive traveling exhibition will guide visitors through the murky myths and fascinating facts that have surrounded sharks for centuries. To expand the experience, the popular IMAX® film SHARKS, presented by Jean-Michel Cousteau, also will open November 3 giving museum goers a chance to take a virtual journey underwater with the ocean’s oldest predator. As a special opportunity, the Museum of Nature & Science will offer the Twin Fin value package, which includes admission to the Planet Shark exhibit and SHARKS IMAX® film at discounted rates.
Created by Grande Exhibitions of Australia and spanning 12,000 square feet and five galleries, Planet Shark: Predator or Prey will feature displays of full-scale specimen models including an 18-foot Great White, row-after-row of rare fossils dating as far back as 380 million years, thousands of teeth and mega-sized jaws. Fascinating interview footage from shark attack survivors, images and other archives will be on view, plus movie memorabilia including original posters, props, dive cages and more from the 1975 classic Jaws.
“Planet Shark will offer an awe-inspiring look into the fascinating world of sharks and their aquatic environment,” said Steve Hinkley, director of education for the Museum of Nature & Science. “These mysterious, primitive creatures have a great deal to teach us – why we fear them, ways in which we are like them, and how we can help preserve their biome for future generations of shark admirers. Through hands-on interactive stations, incredible images and even a real preserved specimen, this huge exhibit will get visitors of all ages excited about seeing sharks in the safest place possible – on land.”
One of nature’s oldest and most feared creatures, the shark is also one of the most misunderstood. Fishing pressure and media misrepresentation have put many species of this magnificent animal under serious threat of total extinction. Planet Shark: Predator or Prey is a great educational step to help preserve these necessary apex predators.
“This is the largest exhibit we’ve ever hosted – it’s even bigger than BODYWORLDS,” said Paul Vinson, director of exhibits for the Museum. “It’s 12,000 square feet of sharks from all over the world and all through time, including fossils, jaws and teeth, full-size models, and even frozen specimens. It’s about as close as you can get to diving with the sharks without a boat!”
Experience an underwater voyage with the breathtaking IMAX® film SHARKS
Presented by marine biologist Jean-Michel Cousteau, SHARKS provides a close encounter with what is perceived to be the deadliest hunter in the water. The stunning documentary shows sharks as they really are in their natural habitat – not wicked man-eating creatures but wild and fascinating animals that have been in existence since a million years before dinosaurs roamed the earth. Audiences will experience what it’s like when divers face off with these infamous creatures and get some surprising information about their watery world.
The film required two years of production, an extensive nine-month filming expedition at nine locations, 500 dive hours and 100 hours of footage.
“The stunning images really place you in the middle of the colorful undersea world,” said Vinson. “Along with incredible shark encounters, audiences will get up close with sea lions, be surrounded by huge schools of fish and get so near to manta rays and jellyfish swimming past that they will feel like they can reach out and touch them! SHARKS isn’t just a movie, it’s an exhilarating experience!”
Admission, value-saving Twin Fin twofer and general information
Admission to Planet Shark: Predator or Prey requires a surcharge in addition to the purchase of MNS general admission for a total admission cost of $18 for adults (18-61); $16 for seniors (62+) and students (12-17); $13 for children (2-11); and only $5 for MNS members of all ages. Children under 2 are free. Planet Shark will be on display in the MNS Science Building at 1318 S. 2nd Avenue in Fair Park from November 3, 2011 through September 16, 2012.
SHARKS and all other IMAX® films require additional ticket purchases. Tickets for the TI Founders IMAX® Theater are $7.50 for adults ($6 for member adults) and $6.50 for students, seniors, and children ages 2-11 ($5 for member students, seniors and children). Children under 2 are free. SHARKS will open November 3, 2011, at the TI Founders IMAX® Theater and will continue through May 25, 2012.
BEST VALUE! The Twin Fin Package includes admission to Planet Shark: Predator or Prey and any IMAX® film including SHARKS. The Twin Fin Package is $24 for adults 18-61, $18 for children 2-11, $22 for students (12-17) and seniors (62+), and $10 for members.
Membership specials, plus free sneak peek and other perks for members
As part of the Planet Shark membership special, new or renewed Family Plus and Family-Plus Platinum levels will receive two shark visors plus complimentary passes to Planet Shark. (Family Plus members will receive two tickets, and Family-Plus Platinum members will receive four tickets.) Other member benefits include free admission to the Museum’s general exhibits, guest passes to IMAX® and Planetarium shows, discounts on traveling exhibits, access to special member-only events including a free Planet Shark member preview November 2, and more. In addition, members will receive discounted admission to the Museum of Nature & Science’s after-hours, adults-only Beer & Bones “Under the Sea” party December 15. More information is available online.
To save time and avoid lines, advance tickets may be purchased online at natureandscience.org. Tickets also are available at any MNS box office during regular museum hours: Monday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday noon - 5 p.m. Further information is available by calling 214-428-5555 or visiting natureandscience.org.
