| Opening on March 5, Picturing Science: Museum Scientists and Imaging Technologies reveals the hidden art of the universe’s infinitesimal detail |
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| Ichthyologist John Sparks treated fish with a calibrated series of chemical dyes. Red dye tints bones, blue dye clings to cartilage, and enzymes “clear” tissues, rendering them transparent. These and other stunning images are featured in The Bishop’s newest exhibition Picturing Science: Museum Scientists and Imaging Technologies opening to the public March 5. Image by John S. Sparks, Associate Curator, Division of Vertebrate Zoology American Museum of Natural History. |
| Scientists see a great deal more than most of us do, thanks to a range of sophisticated imaging techniques. Tools such as remote sensors, scanning electron microscopes, CT scanners and high-powered telescopes allow researchers to detect evolving supernovas, long-buried ancient villages, microscopic hairs on wasp antennae and much more. With the opening of Picturing Science: Museum Scientists and Imaging Technologies on March 5 — the first exhibition of its 75th Anniversary Year of Light — The Bishop makes it possible for visitors to see what scientists do, using technology to reveal once-hidden, intricate details of both natural phenomena and cultural artifacts. This graphic panel exhibition features the work of scientists from the American Museum of Natural History, showcasing more than 20 sets of striking large-format images that were created in pursuit of scientific knowledge, but also resulted in visually arresting art. The exhibition — which also features items from the The Bishop’s own collections — also explores how new imaging technologies make it possible to examine and analyze a range of specimens and phenomena at levels of detail previously unimaginable, advancing science and providing new insights into the visual splendor of the universe. |
| Visitors will be introduced to scientific imaging technologies such as: Confocal laser scanning microscopySEM (scanning electron microscopy)Electron microscopyCT scanning (computed tomography)X-Ray imagingUV Fluorescence The exhibition opens on March 5 in the Museum’s Gallery 1. Visiting is included in the price of admission.Adults (18-64) $23.95 | Seniors (65+) $21.95 | Youth (12-17) and College Students (with ID) $17.95 | Children (5-11) $14.95 | Pre-K (2-4) $8.95 | Children younger than 2 admitted FREE with paying adult | Discovery Society Members get in FREE Picturing Science is organized by the American Museum of Natural History, New York (amnh.org). |
| March 3: Opening Preview Reception |
| Supporters of The Bishop are invited to join us for a special preview of the Museum’s newest special exhibition. Be among the first to see Picturing Science! What: Preview reception for Picturing Science: Museum Scientists and Imaging TechnologiesWhen/Where: 5:30-7pm, Thursday, March 3, in the Museum’s Gallery 1Cost: Free for members of the Discovery Society and $5 for guests. Light bites provided; beer & wine available for purchaseRegister now to attendMore information: Please email Bonnie Goodman at BGoodman@BishopScience.org or call 941.216.3463 |
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| Museum arachnologist Lorenzo Prendini used UV fluorescence imaging to identify differences among the scorpion species shown. The fluorescence of each species depends on the texture of its surface. Some structures, like eyes and hairlike setae, do not fluoresce at all. Image by Lorenzo Prendini, Associate Curator, Division of Invertebrate Zoology, American Museum of Natural History. |
| About the American Museum of Natural History (amnh.org)The American Museum of Natural History, founded in 1869, is one of the world’s preeminent scientific, educational, and cultural institutions. The Museum encompasses more than 40 permanent exhibition halls, including the Allison and Roberto Mignone Halls of Gems and Minerals which opened in 2021 – and those in the Rose Center for Earth and Space and the Hayden Planetarium, as well as galleries for temporary exhibitions. It is home to New York State’s official memorial to Theodore Roosevelt, a a tribute to Roosevelt’s enduring legacy of environmental conservation. The Museum’s scientists draw on a world-class research collection of more than 34 million artifacts and specimens, some of which are billions of years old, and on one of the largest natural history libraries in the world. Through its Richard Gilder Graduate School, the Museum grants the Ph.D. degree in Comparative Biology and the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree, the only such free-standing, degree-granting programs at any museum in the United States. The Museum’s website, digital videos, and apps for mobile devices bring its collections, exhibitions, and educational programs to millions around the world. Visit amnh.org for more information. |
 The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature 201 10th St. West Bradenton, FL 34205www.BishopScience.org |
| As the largest natural history museum on Florida’s Gulf Coast, The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature (formerly South Florida Museum) offers fun and engaging exhibitions and programs that interpret the scientific knowledge of Florida, the world and our universe. In addition to permanent exhibitions, The Bishop features a constantly changing lineup of special exhibitions — offering something new to discover with each visit. The Bishop includes an all-digital Planetarium — the only one of its kind on Florida’s Gulf Coast — the Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat, where we help rehabilitate sick or injured manatees for their return to the wild, and the Mosaic Backyard Universe, built especially for young children and their families. Our Mission: To inspire the joy of discovery and wonder for all ages through excellence in stewardship and engagement. Visit www.BishopScience.org for hours, info and admission details or call 941-746-4131. Adults 18-64: $23.95 | Seniors (65+): $21.95 | Youth (12-17) and College Students (with ID): $17.95 | Children (5-11): $14.95 | Pre-K (2-4): $8.95. Children younger than 2 admitted free with paying adult. Free Admission for members of the Discovery Society | Florida Teachers and Active Duty military (with ID) | Museums for All participants. |