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| Antopia |
Antopia is a cutting-edge digital exhibition created by Museums Victoria, the team behind the award-winning Tyama exhibition. Aimed at audiences of all ages, it offers a kaleidoscope of interactive projections, stunning imagery, and atmospheric soundscapes that bring the hidden world of ants to life. Combining art, science, and the latest in digital technology, Antopia offers an experience that pushes the boundaries of what a museum exhibition can be.
A Day in the Life of an Ant
Ants might be small, but they live in vast, highly organized colonies where each ant plays a crucial role in the survival of the group. From foraging for food to caring for the young, ants work together as a collective superorganism. Their communication system, which relies on the use of pheromones (chemical signals), guides their movements and actions, essentially acting as the colony’s GPS.
In Antopia, visitors will have the opportunity to follow these invisible pheromone trails, immersing themselves in the secret life of an ant. Through interactive experiences, visitors can witness ants working in their underground colonies, cultivating food in fungus farms, scouting for new food sources, and even entering the queen’s chamber to see the beating heart of the colony.
The Magic of Antopia’s Experience
"Antopia ignites curiosity and passion for the natural world,” said Lynley Crosswell, CEO and Director of Museums Victoria. “Through innovative storytelling, visitors of all ages will be amazed by the eye-opening new perspectives they gain about the extraordinary lives of ants."
The exhibition is a perfect opportunity for families, especially during the summer school holidays, to explore the miniature world of insects. Through hands-on activities, collaborations, and imaginative play, visitors will gain a new appreciation for the interconnectedness of life on Earth.
Complementary Programs and Activities
Throughout the summer, Melbourne Museum offers a variety of programs and events to further enhance the Antopia experience:
Bugs 3D: Micro Monsters at IMAX (14 December – 10 March): Experience the superpowers of ants, scorpions, and beetles in epic 3D on the giant IMAX screen. Watch Australian Green Tree Ants building intricate nests, massive Goliath Beetles battling for mates, and glowing scorpions dancing under moonlight.
Creative Lab – Antopia (2–25 January): Children aged 5-12 can participate in hands-on, creative workshops, including opportunities to view a live ant colony and create their very own ant diorama.
Ants by Polyglot Theatre (8–25 January): Enjoy free interactive performances with giant ants, inviting children to collaborate and create magical landscapes filled with curious insects. These performances offer an engaging way to explore teamwork and the nature of work within the ant world.
Antenna Antics (8–25 January): Kids can embrace their inner ant by crafting fun paper headbands with antennae. This hands-on activity is a perfect complement to the Antopia exhibition and the Ants performance.
A Transformative Journey into Nature’s Hidden World
Antopia offers more than just a glimpse into the fascinating world of ants. It is a transformative journey that allows visitors to see the beauty and complexity of life from an entirely new perspective. By exploring the intricate systems of nature’s tiny but essential workers, guests will gain an appreciation for the world right beneath their feet.
Don’t Miss Out
Antopia will be open at Melbourne Museum from 14 December 2024 to 10 March 2025. Tickets are on sale now, and pre-booking is recommended as entry is timed. Tickets include general museum admission and access to other popular exhibits like Bugs Alive!, Forest Gallery, and Triceratops: Fate of the Dinosaurs.
For more information and to book tickets, visit the Melbourne Museum website. Bring your family and friends and embark on a journey into one of nature's greatest marvels — a world of secret senses and hidden wonders.
Antopia: Explore a World of Secret Senses
Open: Saturday 14 December 2024 – Monday 10 March 2025
Location: Melbourne Museum, 11 Nicholson Street, Carlton
Tickets: Members $19 | Adult $33 | Concession $28 | Children $23
Tickets available online at Melbourne Museum
Let the adventure begin!
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