A new exhibition at the Sloan Museum of Discovery, “The Lost World of Dragons,” was inspired by the resurgence of interest in dragons and fantasy, particularly through Dungeons and Dragons. It incorporates history and science in a way that’s fun for kids and adults.
“Since I’ve been here, it’s probably one of the most interactive exhibits that we’ve had to learn not just about dragons, but why different cultures from around the world have actually created this mythological beast, and for what reasons,” stated Ann Mancour, marketing manager for Sloan Museum of Discovery and Longway Planetarium.
Mancour continued “Like in Asia, they created dragons for good luck, and other parts of the world they were more dangerous and ominous. So, it’s just really interesting from a historical perspective and a cultural perspective of why people created these mythological creatures.”
The exhibition runs from May 16- September 13 and is recommended for ages 8 and up. But parents can use their own discretion about deciding to take some younger children.
It took two years to prepare “The Lost World of Dragons,” and it was contracted from Stage Nine Productions, a nationwide traveling exhibit company.
A favorite at the May 15 free member’s preview and so far by the general public is the virtual reality experience where visitors fly on dragons over mountains, valleys and castles.
A scavenger hunt with eight questions that culminates in visitors being initiated as a “dragonologist” and animatronic dragons were also hits. There is also a puppet theatre. Additionally, guests can play dragon games and take photos.
Otto Kubacki takes part in a virtual reality dragon riding experience, with the assistance of the Sloan Museum of Discovery staff member.
“I think it’ll continue to be really fun for the whole family,” said Mancour. “I also think that adults will enjoy this, especially like people who like Dungeons and Dragons and they like live action role play. We’ve had some people ask if they can dress up and we say, sure, you can dress up. They just can’t bring weapons. So yeah, it will be a fun exhibit for the next few months.”
Several visitors shared about their experiences with the Courier, including a couple who brought their young grandson, Otto Kubacki.
“It’s very cute, very nice,” said Larry Schramm, owner of JLS Family Enterprises in Grand Blanc, who enjoyed watching his grandson experience riding a dragon in virtual reality.
“He loves the Sloan Museum,” Schramm continued. “He definitely likes it when we come up here and he can play on the little water table and enjoy all the other kid activities. We come up regularly…probably at least half a dozen times, or maybe 10 times a year.”
Joyce Shramm, Larry’s wife and a retired substitute teacher, shared: “I learned something about dragons and them coming from different countries and different areas of the world. It’s been interesting! It’s very interactive. I’ve had a good time!”
Rachel Helgren, a 16-year-old visitor to Sloan, also enjoyed the mythology and dragon content.
“I love dragons,” she said. “I love all the mystical beasts, like the Hydra. I read a lot of books on this to begin with, but my favorite here at Sloan was definitely the Chinese dragon.”
16-year-old Rachel Helgren found “The Lost World of Dragons” to be right up her alley.
For the Chinese dragon display, a latern lights up after each question about dragons is correctly answered.
“It was fun when he like woke up and moved around once you completed the lanterns,” Helgren added.
Heidi Helgren, Rachel’s mom also highlighted the animatronics as her favorite feature.
The Chinese Dragon, display and game, which lights up as players answer questions about dragons correctly
“When the dragons move and you get really close, that’s cool,” she said.
The exhibition can be experienced during regular museum hours.
