But Don't Feed The Animals
The Air Zoo in
Kalamazoo (MI) will pay tribute to the history of flight with the
opening of an interactive aviation museum this May. The new Air Zoo
will feature more than 80 vintage aircraft, character actors in the
roles of famous aviators, amusement rides, Smithsonian exhibitions
and 4-D theaters, which combine 3-D filmmaking with other special
effects. The new 120,000-square-foot facility, which nearly doubles
the space of the current campus, will allow the Air Zoo to educate
visitors about aviation through hands-on, multi-sensory
experiences.
The new Air Zoo will feature the largest known indoor mural.
Equivalent to three football fields in length, "Century of Flight"
is the creation of renowned aviation artist Rick Herter. The
25,000-square-foot, hand-painted mural depicts major moments in
aviation history from the first hot air balloon ride to journeys
into space. Another highlight is the Air Zoo’s 4-D theater
presentation, "Missions, Salute to Heroes," which tells the
compelling story of young airmen flying deep into the heart of
World War II Germany in 1943. Visitors will experience startling
in-theater effects such as shaking seats and simulated
anti-aircraft fire. The Air Zoo also features a collection of
thousands of artifacts and more than 80 vintage aircraft, including
a rare SR-71B Blackbird spy plane, which holds the record for speed
and altitude.
"The new Air Zoo
doesn't just teach people about history, it surrounds them with
it," says Bob Ellis, executive director of the Air Zoo. "For
example, through interactive storytelling, historical re-enactors
will share the adventures of the inspiring heroes of aviation
history. There will always be something new to see. Because of our
partnership with the Smithsonian Institution, the Air Zoo has
access to over 142 million artifacts and an endless source of
world-famous traveling exhibitions."
The first exhibition sponsored by the Smithsonian Institution is
"Hubble Space Telescope: New Views of the Universe." The exhibition
allows visitors to learn about the telescope’s history,
design and purpose, as well as gain a greater understanding of
planets, stars, galaxies and intergalactic space. The opening of
the new Air Zoo is likely to make Kalamazoo, and the state of
Michigan, a destination spot for thousands of tourists. The Air Zoo
predicts the museum will draw 300,000 visitors annually. "The Air
Zoo is going to have an immediate impact on the local economy
through jobs, visitor spending and admission," predicts George
Erickcek, senior regional analyst, W.E. Upjohn Institute for
Employment Research. "If the Air Zoo draws 300,000 visitors
annually to the area, we estimate that wages and salaries in
Kalamazoo County will increase by $9.9 million, and the facility
will generate 360 jobs, including the Air Zoo's current staff of
50."