An amazing exhibit at the Skirball Cultural Center
Everyone knows the story of Noah and his famous Ark. But I doubt the tale has ever been told quite
like the exhibit at the Skirball Cultural Center. The animals on display are magnificent. They
are majestic and beautiful, powerful and awe-inspiring just as you would
imagine they would be. However, these
special animals and the retelling of this epic story are even more remarkable
because each sculpture is made out of everyday, ordinary, recycled products.
Each extremely detailed piece is a unique work of art. And each piece is meant
to be explored by tiny hands (and big hands too). Noah's Ark
at the Skirball is a breathtaking, interactive art exhibit for children of all
ages.
Doug and I thought visiting the museum would make a fun
afternoon for us as a family. Ava loves
reading books about zoos and turning pages filled with colorful critters. She even has a mini Noah's Ark toy set with Noah at the helm and happy little animals filling the boat. She
knows her animals and will gladly point them out or bring them to
you upon request. She kisses the lion
and elephant on each page of her favorite bedtime book, Good Night, Gorilla. We felt this exhibit could be a wonderful new
way for her to experience the creatures she is learning about. And it was…
We arrived about an hour before our reservation time to have a
bite to eat at Zeidler's Cafe. This was
not your typical, stand-in-line-order-your-food, buffet style restaurant that
you find at the zoo or amusement parks. It was an elegant, yet very baby
friendly bistro with a delicious variety of menu-ordered food. The waitstaff
was helpful and very attentive to us and to Ava. There were several other families with small
children dining as well. We felt comfortable, relaxed and probably had one of
the best meals out in a long time. After
lunch we headed over to the Ark.
The exhibit was separated into three main areas. The first area
was the violent but beautiful storm that swept the Ark away. Children were encouraged to pull
the handles and levers to make the water rise, the wind blow and lightening
flash all contained in large, glass cylinders. Ava was mesmerized. On the opposite wall from the storm was the
gigantic entrance to the Ark. Inside were dozens of animals of all
sizes. Stuffed animals lined one wall,
while another wall contained miniature Arks with pairs of various animals on
display. All were there to be touched,
examined and played with. The final room
was designed as a physical participation area representing the living quarters
inside of the Ark itself.
Children were encouraged to play, climb, crawl through and explore every inch
of this part of the exhibit.
If all of that wasn't enough, there was still even more to enjoy. Rooms
dedicated to children's take-home art projects (around ages 3+), interactive
musical performances on the weekends, and a unique, walk-through outside area
that illuminates rainbows in the mist top off this extraordinary experience (word
to the wise, wear contact lenses if you plan to see the rainbows – your glasses will just
get wet!). Ava is too young for some of
these activities, but over all she thoroughly enjoyed our afternoon. To finish our off visit, we
stopped by the gift shop for a souvenir. Ava chose a white, fluffy bunny puppet
complete with pink eyes and floppy ears. She hugged and kissed her bunny the entire ride home.
The Noah's Ark display is designed for children, yet there is so much attention to unique
details that it is easily an enjoyable experience for adults as well. Reservations are required in advance. They only allow a
certain number of visitors in at a time which keeps the exhibit moving and avoids
overcrowding. The exhibit is now permanently on display and tickets can be
purchased in person, by phone or via the internet (I recommend reserving your
space in advance). Adult tickets are
$11.50 and children ages 2-12 are $6.50. Under 2 are free.
In addition to the Noah's Ark exhibit, the Skirball Cultural Center's main purpose is to
celebrate Jewish heritage in America. The Skirball offers classes, group tours and
many other incredible exhibitions commemorating Judaism.
Skirball Cultural Center
www.skirball.org
701 N. Sepulveda Blvd.,
Los Angeles, CA 90049
(310) 440-4500
