The Smithsonian Traveling Exhibit, WATER|WAYS will make a splash at the Virginia Living Museum May 27 through July 9. The exhibit comes to the museum’s changing exhibit gallery with support from the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities (VFH), in cooperation with the Virginia Association of Museums (VAM) and is sponsored by Waterway Surveys & Engineering, Ltd. and Zeigler Pluming and Sewer, Inc.
It is no secret that water is a critical element of the environment and human biology, but what can people learn when they dive beyond the surface? From recreation to conservation WATER|WAYS explores the many facets that depend on water and the cultural impact it has on our community. With water making up about 71 percent of Earth, it is imperative to understand and foster this natural resource. As a coastal community, the exhibit proves to be especially pertinent to the Hampton Roads area.
The WATER|WAYS exhibit, located at the VLM changing exhibit gallery, will consist of
engaging mural panels and kiosks where guests will learn about water in five content areas:
Introduction, Source, Flow, Quench, and Water is Eternal. Guests are also encouraged to visit the Aquaculture tank to learn about various filtration elements.
The Surf Zone is available for those who are willing to put their balancing skills to the test and visitors can paddle away in a kayak. An engaging video will explain the purpose and importance of a watershed. Kids of all ages can craft their favorite water animal and add it to the water scene display wall.
As part of Smithsonian’s Think Water Initiative, WATER|WAYS will help raise awareness of water as an essential resource and necessity for life. In support of water awareness, visitors will also be encouraged to share stories and converse about water using the hashtag #mywaterstory and #thinkwater.
The VLM will feature the Oasis in Space planetarium show as a companion program to WATER|WAYS. This planetarium show takes you on a startling and beautiful journey through our Solar System and beyond in search of water and water worlds like Earth. Incorporating the latest results of astronomical research and exploration, including recent data from robot explorers, the presentation offers a new perspective on a substance of obvious importance to our planet. Oasis in Space will inform, delight, and entertain viewers of all ages.
The museum is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission is $20 for adults, $15 for children (ages 3-12); ages 2 and under and VLM members are free. The Oasis in Space planetarium show is free for VLM members and $4 for non-members plus Museum admission.
The museum is located at 524 J. Clyde Morris Blvd., Newport News, I-64, exit 258A. For
more information visit thevlm.org or call 757-595-1900.
