Open portals to other dimensions, check out Thor’s hammer and even dance with Baby Groot at this immersive exhibition
It’s a fact: The Honeycombers are on Team Marvel (sorry, DC Universe). It doesn’t matter if you’re a fan or not, the Marvel Studios: Ten Years of Heroes exhibition at ArtScience Museum will resonate in some way. Happening from now ’til 30 September, this showcase promises to be the exhibition of the year, with immersive exhibits that will transport you through the portals of Doctor Strange, or even the land of Wakanda. The best part? Each of these galleries contain a fascinating piece of science or art trivia, so it’s not just for the fans! Ready to step into the world of Super Heroes? These highlights featuring your favourite characters are just the tip of the iceberg…
Iron Man
Inspired by the movie that sparked the mega franchise, this showcase pays tribute to the ultimate fighting machine. Fans of Tony Stark’s genius will be thrilled to see the evolution of over 40 Iron Man suits in 3D projection. Look out for the Iron Man replica – standing at an impressive five-metres tall, you’ll want in on the Insta-worthy moments here.
Heads up… You can actually view a small sample of Technetium, a synthetic radioactive metal resembling the material used to create Tony Stark’s famous arc reactor. For those unfamiliar with Iron Man, this device was embedded in his chest to keep shrapnel from reaching his heart. Now you know!
Captain America
One of the world’s most iconic heroes (and a Honeycombers favourite), Captain America first made his debut in 1941 – making him a pioneer of the Marvel Studios universe. Can’t get enough of the red, white and blue Avenger? Check out a 3D hologram featuring his three shields. What’s more, you’ll be getting up close and personal with a model of the S.H.I.E.L.D Helicarrier.
Heads up… Learn all about the ethics and philosophy of cryogenics, inspired by the premise of Marvel Studios’ Captain America: The Winter Soldier through a mini snippet at the gallery. If the word cryogenics is foreign to you, it’s actually the process of freezing yourself.. Kinda forces you to think about whether you would do the same… doesn’t it?
Thor
This showcase features fascinating elements of Norse mythology that has inspired the comics. For example, you can view the fabled Mjolnir hammer – complete with thunder and lightning effects for drama. Do also make it a point to view the legendary gladiator arena on planet Sakaar, that featured the historic showdown between Thor and Hulk in Marvel Studios’ Thor: Ragnarok. Grab a friend, re-create the scene, and snap a photo!
Heads up… Intergalactic space travel may be stuff of science fiction for now, but the legendary Bifrost (a rainbow bridge in Norse mythology that connects Asgard to Earth) presents a similar concept. Want to how it all works? Step onto the Bifrost and get ready to travel at warp speed.
Guardians of the Galaxy
Dive headfirst into a battle scene on board Yondu’s ship with Rocket and Baby Groot, as seen in Marvel Studios’ Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. It’s not for the faint-hearted, but we’re pretty sure you’ll survive. Before you go, don’t miss out on a dance-off with the adorable Baby Groot!
Heads up… Rediscover a nostalgic 20th-century relic: the cassette player. Put on those headphones, slip on your dancing shoes, and start grooving to retro tunes from Marvel Studios’ Guardians of the Galaxy.
Doctor Strange
This trippy journey through portals takes you from a mirrored dimension of Singapore to Doctor Strange’s New York Sanctum Sanctorum, the sorcerer’s brooding base of mystical curios. The interactive displays here offer an immersive experience with two of Doctor Strange’s powers – opening portals and bending reality. Who knows where you’ll end up?
Heads up… If you’ve always wondered about the geometry and tessellating imagery seen in Marvel Studios’ Doctor Strange – a result of his reality-bending powers – catch M.C Escher’s famous lithograph Convex and Concave (1955), which is similar to the aesthetics you see in the movie.
Black Panther
Trek through the lush African forests and traverse through Wakanda’s iconic shield, which conceals this technologically advanced nation from the world. Watch out for the majestic Black Panther head, specially constructed for this exhibition and said to weigh more than 100kg! Other highlights include an interactive replica of Shuri’s lab (she’s the sister of King T’Chalia, aka Black Panther) and a life-size Black Panther figure.
Heads up… For a thought-provoking glimpse into African culture, keep a lookout for a stunning photograph by award-winning Afrofuturist artist, Osborne Macharia – his work touches on the post-colonialism African narrative with topics of culture, fiction and identity.
Ant-Man and The Wasp
Creepy crawlies are taking over at the Ant-Man and The Wasp’s hideout. Those who are bringing the fam bam can keep the kids occupied as they interact with projections of ants scurrying on the floor and wasps buzzing by the walls. Visitors can also scamper through a reactor where they’ll be viewing a section of Hank Pym’s lab from the perspective of an ant.
Heads up… There’s a small section on nanotechnology where – get this – scientists have been trying to create molecule-sized motors that can be used as part of future nano-machines, such as a nano-car.
Don’t miss these other highlights…
Super Hero action aside, the exhibition’s got a slew of other interesting installations you won’t want to miss. For example, the Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Infinity War showcase lets you discover more trivia about the Infinity Stones, an important element in both the comics and movies. Before you call it a day, don’t forget to make a final stop at the theatre for a homage to the entire Marvel Studios movie series in the form of a special footage. Here’s a tip for fans: Step on your favourite Super Hero icon and check out a uniquely created animation on the screen.
But that’s not all: there’s still one more insta-worthy moment worth checking out. Upon reaching the exit, watch out for a massive backdrop of talents from the Marvel Cinematic Universe where fans can take a snapshot with Super Heroes such as Tom Hiddleston and Scarlett Johansson. Oh, and don’t miss out on the exciting merchandise at the souvenir store as well. You know you want some. We’ll see you there!
Catch ArtScience Museum’s Marvel Studios: Ten Years Of Heroes exhibition from now till 30 September at the ArtScience Museum. The exhibition has extended hours until 15 July, from 10am to 9pm on Saturdays and Sundays, with last entry at 8pm.
ArtScience Museum, located at Marina Bay Sands, 6 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018974
This article is sponsored by Marina Bay Sands