Bruce County Museum announces new summer exhibition, "Inspiring Nature, Inspired Techno"

The Bruce County Museum and Cultural Centre has announced its new summer exhibition, "Inspiring Nature, Inspired Techno – Biomimicry and Transport," a travelling exhibit that explores how nature’s designs have inspired innovative technologies.

The museum is inviting members to a special opening event, May 14, ahead of the exhibition’s public opening.

"Inspiring Nature, Inspired Techno" introduces visitors to the concept of biomimicry, a design approach that draws inspiration from nature’s shapes, systems and processes, to solve human challenges. The exhibition features natural specimens paired with technological objects, revealing how observation of the natural world has led to breakthroughs in transportation and everyday technology.

Visitors will discover unique innovations, such as:
 

• How a kingfisher’s beak helped engineers design quieter, more efficient trains
• How the burrs of a prickly thistle inspired a familiar fastener used around the world
• How the structure of seashells influenced the development of stronger, more resilient building materials

The exhibition combines themes of innovation and ecology to spark curiosity and highlight how natural designs can inform future technological development.

The exhibition is a production of the Musée de l’ingéniosité J. Armand Bombardier in collaboration with the Musée de la nature et des sciences de Sherbrooke, Granby Zoo and the Institut de biomimétisme. The project is possible with the support of the Government of Canada and sponsor Ontario Power Generation, with media partner 101.7 The One.

Museum members are invited to see the exhibition first, during a special opening event Thursday, May 14, from 5-8 p.m. The evening includes an interactive quiz show beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the Bruce Power Theatre. Hands-on activities, inspired by nature and engineering, and a creative challenge encouraging participants to design their own invention inspired by plants or animals, will follow. Guests can also make a bee hotel, enjoy sliders and pizza, and leave with a sweet treat.

Members wishing to join the opening event may RSVP on-line or call 519-797-2080.

"Inspiring Nature, Inspired Techno – Biomimicry and Transport" opens to the public May 15 and will remain on display throughout the summer, inviting visitors of all ages to explore how nature continues to serve as one of the world’s greatest sources of invention and inspiration.

For more information about the exhibition or to register for the opening event, visit brucemuseum.ca.