Museum of Science, Boston

Press Release [Return to listing page]

August 15, 2008

World's first exhibit on fear opening in Boston at the Museum of Science, October 12

BOSTON—Discover what makes our hearts race, our knees shake, and our bodies sweat when we are scared. Goose Bumps! The Science of Fear, developed by the California Science Center, opens in Boston at Museum of Science, October 12, 2008. Goose Bumps! allows visitors to discover the science behind the physical and emotional responses of the life saving emotion of fear. Through fun, interactive challenges guests can explore and experience fear in a safe environment. The exhibit will show through January 4, 2009.

The 6,000 square-foot exhibit will feature immersive environments and full-body, interactive experiences that allow guests to test their own fears and rate their physiological responses. Leading scientists and their current research on the neurobiology, physiology and psychology of fear are also featured throughout the exhibit.

Goose Bumps! begins with a Fear Challenge Course where visitors face four common fears in a safe environment. The first challenge, Fear of Animals, dares guests to reach into concealed terrariums that might be the home of creepy-crawly creatures. In Fear of Electric Shock, visitors may feel their heart pounding as they anticipate getting zapped by a jolt of electricity. Fear of Loud Noises lets visitors test an innate fear that helps keep us out of harm's way. Finally, the Fear of Falling challenge allows guests to experience a sudden loss of support and then watch a video recording of their reaction.

Another exhibit highlight is the Fear Lab. Explore the brain's structures and pathways that drive fear response. Visitors will meet Mr. Goose Bumps, a larger-than-life figure that illustrates, through animation, how the brain and body work together in response to danger. Real brains and brain slices preserved through the process of plastination will be on display showing similarities between key brain fear structures in humans and animals.

The exhibit features additional fear themed areas:

Faces of Emotion - Visitors can explore the facial expressions of fear and other emotions that may be universal in humans. Cutting edge software is used to analyze and identify guests' facial expressions.

Fear in the Wild - An immersive video game allows guests to explore common responses to danger, including freeze, fight and flight. Visitors will discover how fear helps all animals, including humans, to stay alive.

Fear and Society - Some fears spread beyond the individual and grow stronger as more people become afraid. A short film and exhibit displays how our collective fears are represented and transmitted through media and pop culture.

Coping with Fear - While a certain amount of fear is normal, some anxieties can get out of control. Visitors can discover what fears are common at different stages in life and learn about ways to help children move past their fears. They can also watch interviews with patients suffering from anxiety disorders to understand what happens when the fear system goes awry.

Goose Bumps! The Science of Fear was developed by the California Science Center and supported, in part, by the Informal Science Education program of the National Science Foundation under grant ESI-0515470. Opinions expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the National Science Foundation. Admission to Goose Bumps! will be included with regular Exhibit Halls admission: $19 for adults, $17 for seniors (60+), and $16 for children (3-11). For more information, the public can call 617/723-2500, (TTY) 617/589-0417, or visit mos.org.

About The Museum of Science, Boston

One of the world's largest science centers, the Museum of Science takes a hands-on approach to science, attracting approximately 1.5 million visitors a year through its vibrant programs and over 700 interactive exhibits. Highlights include the Thomson Theater of Electricity, home of the world's largest air-insulated Van de Graaff generator; the Charles Hayden Planetarium; the Mugar Omni Theater, a 180-degree IMAX® domed theatre; and the Gordon Current Science & Technology Center (GCS&T), which offers breaking news stories to the public with interpretation by Museum staff. In 2004, the Museum launched the National Center for Technological Literacy® (NCTL)®—helping facilitate a nationwide expansion of technology literacy by working with regional schools, offering educational products and programs for pre-K-12 students and teachers, creating curricula, and supporting an online resource center. For more information, visit mos.org.