Exhibition Explores Scientific Breakthroughs
of a Remarkable Era
TORONTO, /CNW/ - Step back in time to the Golden Age of Islamic
Science, when the decimal point revolutionized mathematics, when
the principles of optics were first discovered, and when a man took
to the skies on a feather-clad glider. The Ontario Science Centre
is proud to present "Sultans of Science: 1000 Years of Knowledge
Rediscovered", making its Canadian debut Feb. 5 and running to May
10, 2009.
Developed by Cape Town and Dubai-based MTE Studios, this informative
and thought-provoking exhibition shows visitors how a great civilization
created prosperity across large areas of the known world, from Spain
to China. This exhibition highlights important scientific and technological
advances made during the Golden Age of Islamic Science (circa eighth
to 18th centuries), drawing attention to the multi-cultural roots
of modern science and technology.
"This exhibition introduces us to a fundamental truth about science
today - namely that science has a past," said Dr. Hooley McLaughlin,
Director, Visitor Experience.
"Modern science, from astronomy to medicine to physics and chemistry,
owes an enormous debt to the discoveries of scientists working during
the Golden Age of Islamic Science. The knowledge displayed in this
exhibition is important to everyone in our society."
"Presenting this exhibition clearly demonstrates the Science Centre
is committed to reflecting the diversity of the community and visitors
to the Centre," says Jehad Aliweiwi, Ontario Science Centre Board
member. "This is a bold and pioneering exhibition that should be
welcomed and embraced. Toronto’s diverse communities have a lot
to celebrate in an exhibition of this nature."
This 700 m(2) exhibition features functional large-scale models,
interactive maps, puzzles and videos that take visitors back to
an era where innovation was encouraged and scholarship was highly
valued.
"There is a spirit of invention, innovation and creativity in the
Islamic world which led society in the past and can lead us to an
even more prosperous future. We hope that the exhibition triggers
constructive debate on the importance of building bridges between
civilizations, keeping knowledge alive and ensuring that it is passed
on to others," said Ludo Verheyen, CEO, MTE Studios.
Exhibition sections are built around nine themes:
- Flight
- Medical inventions
- Islamic astronomy
- Mathematics, art and architecture
- Optical science
- Fine technology
- Applied hydrology
- Great explorers
- The House of Wisdom
To complement the Sultans of Science exhibition, the Shoppers
Drug Mart(R) OMNIMAX(R) Theatre will feature the IMAX documentary
"Journey to Mecca: In the footsteps of Ibn Battuta". This film retraces
the steps of Ibn Battuta, as he traveled from Tangier to Mecca to
perform the Hajj in 1325. Through the generosity of the Munk Centre
for International Studies, free school group admissions for specific
screenings of the film are offered from February 11 to March 12,
2009.
For further information, exhibition hours and the complimentary
student screening schedule, visit
www.ontariosciencecentre.ca
or call our box office at 416-696-1000.
Admission prices for the Ontario Science Centre, which include Sultans
of Science, are $18 for adults, $13.50 for youth (13-17) & seniors
(65+) and $11 for children. A combo including the IMAX film and
admission to the Science Centre is $25 for Adults, $19 for seniors
and youth and $15 for children.
The Ontario Science Centre uses science as the lens to inspire and
actively engage people in new ways of seeing, understanding and
thinking about themselves and the world. The Centre is also a leading
developer of interactive exhibitions for science centres around
the world. The Ontario Science Centre is an agency of the Government
of Ontario.
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