Fernbank celebrates 30 years with special exhibits, Discovery Days and more

Fernbank Museum continues to celebrate its 30th Anniversary in 2023 with a year of exciting special exhibits, giant screen films, themed Discovery Days, nighttime nature adventures in WildWoods: AGLOW, Fernbank After Dark adult science nights and more.

Fernbank’s adventurous new year kicks off with the new giant screen film, “Fungi: Web of Life,” which opened Jan. 7. This film follows scientists to forests in Tasmania and China as they search for unique lifeforms, including bioluminescent mushrooms, that could help solve some of humanity’s most urgent problems. Additionally, “Wings Over Water” will open shortly after in the Giant Screen Theater on Feb. 4. Audiences can fly alongside three different types of birds as they defy the odds and migrate to America’s largely unknown but awe-inspiring prairie wetlands. Guests will learn about the science of navigation, flyways, bird behaviors and this unique ecosystem.

February will offer a vivid immersion into the science of color in the new special exhibit “The Nature of Color,” which is on view from Feb. 11 to May 7. “The Nature of Color” offers an in-depth exploration of the way color carries information in nature, including how organisms use it to find food, warn off predators and reproduce. The exhibit also delves into the use of color across cultures, where different colors can signal a wide range of meanings, impact emotions and ultimately influence the society around us.

In early summer, guests are invited to meet a variety of live animals in the special exhibition “Survival of the Slowest,” which opens June 10. This exhibit will explore why it’s sometimes better to be slower than faster to survive longer. Learn the adaptations and strategies of animals like the sloth, green iguana and bearded dragon.

Set to open Oct. 7, “Vikings: Warriors of the Sea” showcases Viking culture, society and technology. Guests will discover over 140 authentic artifacts that demonstrate how Vikings traveled, raided, fought, traded and engaged in spiritual practices. Hands-on interactive elements give guests an opportunity to row a Viking ship, dress a Viking and write in runes, which are letters in a set of related alphabets.

There will be a variety of family friendly Discovery Days all throughout 2023, including three that celebrate the opening days of Fernbank’s special exhibits on Feb. 11, June 10 and Oct. 7. For visitors who are 21 and older, Fernbank Museum will be hosting its popular adult science night event, Fernbank After Dark, which takes place on the second Friday of every month, starting with January’s “Hello, 2023” theme.

Fernbank’s illuminating, nighttime outdoor experience, WildWoods: AGLOW, will continue to invite patrons to journey into the magnificent, sometimes hidden worlds of nature through March 5. Using captivating illumination, immersive projections and an original musical composition, WildWoods: AGLOW curates an innovative approach to storytelling that immerses visitors into a wonderland of biodiversity. Additional special experiences and indoor and outdoor programming are set to be announced throughout 2023.

For more information, visit FernbankMuseum.org. General admission tickets are $25.95 for adults, $24.95 for seniors, $23.95 for children ages 3-12, free for children ages 2 and younger, and free for Fernbank Members. These prices are for tickets purchased online at FernbankMuseum.org. Tickets not purchased in advance are offered, if available, at a higher price.