Traveling exhibition explores renaissance-era magic, science, and medicine
A traveling exhibit linking the fictional Harry Potter to real-life renaissance thought and tradition will be on display at Northwestern Michigan College’s Dennos Museum from Oct. 27 - Dec. 6.
“Harry Potter’s World: Renaissance Science, Magic, and Medicine” was launched by the National Library of Medicine to provide an understanding of the renaissance traditions that played an important role in the development of western science, including alchemy, astrology, and natural philosophy.
The exhibit, first launched in 2009, contains six seven-foot banners and links parts of author J.K. Rowling’s series of novels to several 15th and 16th century thinkers. It provides an examination of ethical topics, such as the desire for knowledge, effects of prejudice, and the responsibility that comes with power.
The exhibit was developed as a way to build excitement among students for math, science, history, and literature.
Cost is $6 for adults, $4 for children ages 3 - 12, and it is free to Northwestern Michigan College students with an ID. Hours are Monday through Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Thursday, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m., and Sunday 1 - 5 p.m. The museum is located at 1410 College Dr. in Traverse City.
For those interested in attending free and picking up some extra Halloween treats at the same time, the exhibition will not charge admission on Saturday, Oct. 31, from noon to 4 p.m. Guests are encouraged to visit the exhibition dressed as their favorite Harry Potter character.
The exhibit is sponsored by Munson Medical Center’s Community Health Library and the Dennos Museum Center at Northwester Michigan College.
This project has been funded in whole or in part with federal funds from the National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, under Contract No. HHSN276201100005C with the University of Illinois at Chicago.