Families can explore the world of reptiles in Carnegie Museum of Natural History’s blockbuster exhibition – Reptiles: LIVE! Nineteen living dioramas from Peeling Productions will be housed in R.P. Simmons Family Gallery from October 20, 2018 – May 12, 2019.
19 Living Dioramas
The primary attraction of Reptiles: LIVE! are the nineteen living dioramas featuring reptiles from all over the world. “Families will find themselves eye to eye with living crocodiles, turtles, snakes, and lizards in this interactive exhibition about reptiles,” says Becca Shreckengast, Director of Exhibit Experience at Carnegie Museum of Natural History.
Visitors will uncover the paradox of how the most beautiful snakes can also be the deadliest, and which snakes have venom that is poisonous to humans or only harmful to small prey. They will also find out why bearded dragons like to sunbathe, and how a veiled chameleon changes colors with its mood. Reptiles: LIVE! demystifies reptiles and busts the myth that all reptiles should be feared.
An experienced professional from Peeling Productions will stay on-site to care for the reptiles.
Family-Friendly Hands-On Activities
Numerous interactive exhibits give visitors the opportunity to learn through play. Children can climb on a full-scale replica Galapagos Tortoise shell. Visitors of all ages can feel the texture of skins from different reptiles and guess whether they come from snakes, crocodiles, or turtles. Several trivia and guessing games like Lizard Wizard, The Shell Game, and Best Foot Forward draw visitors deeper into the world of reptiles and give them a richer understanding of the live reptiles on display. The hands-on activities complement the living dioramas and keep everyone engaged in self-paced exploration and learning.
Reptiles Programming
Exclusive reptile-themed programming will be available throughout the run of the exhibition.
“We are very excited to offer this interactive and educational exhibition to the greater Pittsburgh community,” says Mallory Vopal, Assistant Director of Lifelong Learning, “Whether you are a seasoned reptile enthusiast or simply a lover of animals, this is a great opportunity for people of all ages to learn something new while visiting fascinating reptilian friends from around the world. In addition to the 19 animals on display, the museum will also be offering live reptile meet and greets daily in the exhibit space for visitors to get an up-close experience.”
Visitors can see reptiles outside of their enclosures during daily Live Animal Shows featuring animals from our Living Collection. Shows will take place daily at 2:15 p.m. and Thursday evenings at 6:30 p.m.
Families can plan sleepovers or birthday parties for their kids with special reptile-themed activities. Exclusive activity options will include alligator or snake feeding, scavenger hunts, and live animal encounters. Setting up sleeping bags and spending the night in Reptiles: LIVE! is the ultimate behind the scenes experience for kids and their parents.
Reptiles: LIVE! is also a fun addition to field trips and group tours.
Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh members can visit Reptiles: LIVE! during special member previews on opening weekend. The previews take place from 10 a.m. – noon on Saturday October 20 and Sunday October 21.
Reptiles: Live! is $5 for adults and $3 for members, children, students, and seniors (after museum admission). For more information, visit CarnegieMNH.org.
The exhibition is organized by Peeling Productions. Reptiles: LIVE! at Carnegie Museum of Natural History is sponsored by Highmark, Green Mountain Energy, Baierl Toyota, and Baierl Subaru.
