Now On View At Discovery Museum

BRIDGEPORT — “You’re so creative! You are going to be an artist.”

Children hear it all time, but the truth is that success in almost any career depends upon creative thinking. From inventors and scientists to teachers and business leaders, innovation is the special magic ingredient that really makes a difference. Art and science in particular are much more closely linked than most people realize — the methods of creators and inventors are remarkably similar.

Research shows that hands-on exposure to the arts helps equip students with the skills they need for a lifetime of critical thinking, problem solving, creativity and innovation.

A new six-month traveling exhibit, “Color Play: Exploring The Art and Science of Color” has arrived at The Discovery Museum, bringing children in touch with the magic and science of color. “Color Play” is a joyful exhibit that engages all ages, toddler through adult. Younger children can simply enjoy the rich sensory stimulation it provides, while older children can experiment and investigate, encountering concepts that will inform their future experiences with science, art and their own creativity.

The exhibit’s centerpiece is The Color Playhouse, which beckons children to enter and explore a new adventure in every room, from the Yellow Light Room and Black Light Room to The Rainbow Room. In the next gallery, visitors can make a Neon Swirl sculpture flash and change, and work with lights, bubbles and a mock printing press to experience how color blends in different media. Children will have so much fun, they will never realize that they are learning.

The Discovery Museum and Planetarium — originally founded as the Museum of Art, Science and Industry in 1962 — has evolved over the past 50 years into a science museum specializing in interactive experiences for children. Its exhibits, events and educational programs challenge young visitors to explore, investigate and experience science first-hand

In alignment with the goals of the Partnership for 21st Century Skills, the museum’s staff recognizes the importance of critical thinking and problem solving, creativity and innovation, collaboration and communication to prepare our young people for the future.

The museum is at 4450 Park Avenue, one mile south of Merritt Parkway Exit 47. Daily admission to The Discovery Museum is $9.50 for adults and $8 for children 3 and over, seniors, and college students with IDs.

Regular museum hours are Tuesday through Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm. For more information, call 203-372-3521 or visit DiscoveryMuseum.org.