‘Holy smokes, Batman!’ Superheroes are coming to Omaha
Courtesy Photo: Unsplash
The Durham Museum is unveiling its first exhibition of the 2023 calendar year with Hall of Heroes. The exhibit will be on display starting this Saturday through April 16 in the Omaha museum’s Velde Gallery.
“As a history museum, this topic posed an interesting way of looking at pop culture and American History through a lens that most people have some kind of connection to,” said Jessica Brummer, the Durham Museum’s director of communications. “We think it does a great job of blending history with fun.”
Superheroes have been a mainstay in American pop culture for almost a century. Brummer believes that no matter your age, you probably have some memory or affinity to superheroes.
“We hope generations of people can connect over this common topic, learn a bit about the impact of superheroes on our culture, and have a whole lot of fun while doing it,” she said. “The topic of superheroes can connect generations.”
Guests will experience their favorite superhero through immersive exhibits. “There are over 15 different interactive stations where guests can test their own heroic abilities like a laser lab, wind tunnel, and an agility test…just to name a few,” Brummer said.
Large scale superheroes and movie props will also present entertaining photo opportunities. “Visitors will see the spectrum of superpowers divided into four categories – powers of the body, powers of mastery, powers over the elements, and the powers of gadgets,” she explained. “We encourage guests to explore these categories and test their skills through a series of engaging and interactive stations and games.”
Several educational programs will be featured throughout the exhibit’s stay.
“We have a teacher workshop, Superhero Saturdays, a lecture with the Smithsonian, and a Superhero Soiree,” Brummer stated.
The educational opportunities go beyond the exhibit’s programs. Brummer believes that at the root of all superheroes is a life lesson. “Whether it is overcoming a challenge, fighting for what is right, helping others, or fighting against evil, superheroes can, and do, teach us that we all have special gifts and talents and can be a hero in our everyday lives.”
The exhibit wouldn’t be without her own superhero.
“I’m an 80s child and I had a serious obsession with She-Ra. She was beautiful, brave, and just as heroic as He-Man (girl power!). Plus, her horse turned into a winged Unicorn,” Brummer chuckled.
NEED TO KNOW
What: Hall of Heroes exhibit
Where: Durham Museum, 801 S. 10th St.
When: Jan. 28 – April 16
Features: Life-sized statues of the Incredible Hulk, Ironman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Black Panther, and Superman. A full-scale interactive recreation of the iconic 1960s Batmobile and Batcave and a showcase of the various gadgets used in the television series. Movie props, reproductions, and rare artifacts from past and present major motion pictures and television shows.
Admission: Adults, $13; Seniors (62+), $10; Military/Veteran, $10; Children (ages 3 – 12), $7; Children 2 years and younger are free. Tax is not included. Members are free.
Hours: Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.; Tuesday - Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Special hours on March 2 and 22 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Closed on major holidays.
Information: durhammuseum.org
Timothy Riley is a freelance writer at Lozafina Marketing and Public Relations. Send your tips and story ideas to office@lozafina.com