Just Don't Feed The Animals
The Air Zoo in Kalamazoo (MI) will
pay tribute to the history of flight in May with the opening of an
interactive aviation museum. The new Air Zoo will feature more than
80 vintage aircraft, character actors in the roles of famous
aviators, amusement rides, Smithsonian exhibitions and 4-D
theaters, which combine 3-D filmmaking with other special
effects.
The new 120,000-square-foot facility, which nearly doubles the
space of the current campus, will allow the Air Zoo to educate
visitors about aviation through hands-on, multi-sensory
experiences.
"The new Air Zoo doesn’t just teach people about history,
it surrounds them with it," says Bob Ellis, executive director of
the Air Zoo. "For example, through interactive storytelling,
historical re-enactors will share the adventures of the inspiring
heroes of aviation history."
The new Air Zoo will feature the largest known indoor mural.
Equivalent to three football fields in length, "Century of Flight"
is the creation of renowned aviation artist Rick Herter. The
25,000-square-foot, hand-painted mural depicts major moments in
aviation history from the first hot air balloon ride to journeys
into space.
Another highlight is the Air Zoo’s 4-D theater
presentation, "Missions, Salute to Heroes®," which tells the
compelling story of young airmen flying deep into the heart of
World War II Germany in 1943. Visitors will experience startling
in-theater effects such as shaking seats and simulated
anti-aircraft fire.
The Air Zoo also features a collection of thousands of artifacts
and more than 80 vintage aircraft, including a rare SR-71B
Blackbird spy plane, which holds the record for speed and
altitude.
"There will always be something new to see," Ellis says.
"Because of our partnership with the Smithsonian Institution, the
Air Zoo has access to over 142 million artifacts and an endless
source of world-famous traveling exhibitions."
The first exhibition sponsored by
the Smithsonian Institution is "Hubble Space Telescope: New Views
of the Universe." The exhibition allows visitors to learn about the
telescope’s history, design and purpose, as well as gain a
greater understanding of planets, stars, galaxies and intergalactic
space.
"We’re excited to see the folks at the Air Zoo turn their
dream into a reality," says Aaron Glavas, affiliations coordinator
for the Smithsonian Institution. "The new Air Zoo will give people
a dramatic, first-hand look at the fascinating world of aviation
and aeronautics."
The opening of the new Air Zoo is likely to make Kalamazoo, and
the state of Michigan, a destination spot for thousands of
tourists. The Air Zoo predicts the museum will draw 300,000
visitors annually.
"The Air Zoo is going to have an immediate impact on the local
economy through jobs, visitor spending and admission," predicts
George Erickcek, senior regional analyst, W.E. Upjohn Institute for
Employment Research. "If the Air Zoo draws 300,000 visitors
annually to the area, we estimate that wages and salaries in
Kalamazoo County will increase by $9.9 million, and the facility
will generate 360 jobs, including the Air Zoo's current staff of
50."
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