 To ring in our 75th Anniversary, The Bishop is celebrating the Year of Light, exploring how visible light shapes our world and how harnessing invisible energy expands our scientific understanding of the cosmos.We know that light has a profound impact on our lives, but the light we see — the rainbow of colors that fills the visual world — is only a tiny fraction of the electromagnetic (EM) radiation that constantly surrounds us. Although most of the EM spectrum is invisible, scientists have been able to capture its power to shine a new perspective on our incredible universe. In that spirit, The Bishop is also offering new perspectives throughout the year. The Year of Light will include eight new exhibitions and experiences, including: |
| On March 5, Picturing Science opens in the Museum’s first floor Gallery 1, introducing guests to ways in which modern imaging technologies make it possible for scientists to examine details that were previously unobservable. In April, local photographer Scott Odell’s Illumination: Seeing Beyond the Shellopens on the Second Floor, playing with lighting, angles, and color in an astonishing exhibition of macro photography that features items from the Museum’s permanent collection. This summer, new interpretations of our collections using the theme of light will be available throughout the Museum, developed by Director of Museum Experience, Ashley Waite, and Curator of Collections, Tiffany LaBritt. | Reminder: Special Media Preview TomorrowMembers of the media are invited to a special sneak preview of Picturing Science: Museum Scientists and Imaging Technologies. See the exhibition and interview Museum experts. When: 10-11:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 2RSVP: Email Martha Wells at MWells@BishopScience.org to attend. |
| This fall, The Planetarium anticipates hosting infrared images—outside light’s visible wavelength—from NASA’s recently launched James Webb Space Telescope.And we anxiously await the return of laser light shows in May! |
| The 75th Anniversary culminates in the Museum’s annual black tie gala, The Bash at The Bishop, on November 5. Our Diamond Jubilee will welcome back the Manatee and Sarasota county communities to the preeminent event of the season, and features a colorful large-scale art installation evoking the joy and wonder of science and nature. “We’re excited to unveil these new experiences throughout The Bishop and the greater Bradenton community,” Museum CEO Hillary Spencer said. “We’re also planning other vibrant multi-sensory experiences such as a room with hundreds of prisms reflecting light. I can’t wait to share the dynamic, fun, and joyful explorations as we celebrate the Year of Light. We look forward to welcoming and collaborating with visitors time and again throughout 2022.” |
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| American Museum of Natural History 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. This image — by Lorenzo Prendini, Associate Curator, Division of Invertebrate Zoology, AMNH — is part of The Bishop’s newest special exhibition Picturing Science: Museum Scientists and Imaging Technologies opening to the public on March 5. The media is invited to a special preview of the exhibition on Wednesday, March 2. Picturing Science is organized by the American Museum of Natural History, New York (amnh.org). |
 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. |