Museum News (July 1, 2024)

How much do we REALLY know about the things we hear in our everyday environments? Find out in our current exhibit, Sonic Sensation. Come discover the awesome power of sound! This exhibition is entertaining and educational for all ages. There is so much to do: Test your lung power in the Scream Chamber; conduct an orchestra using your body and motion-capture technology; create soundtracks to silent film clips; learn about the anatomy and physics of how we hear; and how to protect our hearing, explore decibels, amplitude, pitch, and sound waves.

Critters in a Cupboard is a favorite component of the Sonic Sensation exhibit. A visitor hides a “cat” or “cricket” in one of the twenty-four kitchen cupboards and asks a partner to find it by listening! For a challenge, visitors cover one ear to locate the critter. Youngsters love the hide-n-seek aspect and teens love the challenge. It is great fun for everyone!

Music in Motion allows visitors to be musicians! Wiggle, jiggle, kick, or flick across a musical-themed carpet while a camera overhead displays the maestro of this giant “keyboard” on a large-screen TV. Visitors move through the motion-sensing zones shown on the monitor to “play” different sounds. Graphics on Music in Motion help visitors understand the components of what makes music. All this and more are waiting for you at the Hansen Museum.

The Hansen Museum’s 7th Annual Art Camp is coming up July 10th – 12th. Children first grade through sixth grade are eligible to attend. This camp is a wonderful opportunity for children to explore three different art mediums. There are a few openings in each session. Unleash your child’s imagination by registering them today. Call 785.689.4846 for more information.

Sonic Sensation is on display at the Hansen Museum through July 28th. Visit www.hansenmuseum.org for more information. Make plans to come make some noise at the Hansen Museum this summer! The Museum is open Mon. through Fri. 9-12 and 1-4; Sat. 9-12 & 1-5; Sun. and holidays 1-5. We are closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. We are handicapped accessible, and admission is always free thanks to the generous support of the Dane G. Hansen Foundation. For more information or if you have questions, please contact us at 785-689-4846. We hope to see and hear you at the Museum soon!