WORTH THE DRIVE: Monsters, dragons and unicorns take over COSI

A new exhibition at COSI explores mythical creatures and the science behind the stories.

Dragons, Unicorns & Mermaids: Mythic Creatures is a traveling exhibition between COSI and the American Museum of Natural History in New York City.

Credit: Denis Finnin

Credit: Denis Finnin

Among the exhibits is a 120-foot-long Chinese dragon used in a parade in New York City’s Chinatown, a replica “Feejee mermaid,” created by sewing the head and torso of a monkey to the tail of a fish and a 10-foot-long unicorn.

 

Visitors will learn the stories behind Pegasus, the winged horse of Greek mythology, Big Foot, sea monsters and mermaids.

Credit: Denis Finnin

Credit: Denis Finnin

“This exhibition combines mythical lore with scientific undercurrents, tracing the origins of these popular and fascinating fictional creatures and exploring the often factual inspiration behind them,” Dr. Frederic Bertley, COSI president and CEO, said in a press release.

“Through large scale models, real fossils and beautiful artwork, people of all ages will start to understand the intriguing stories behind these mythic creatures and their role throughout history in many cultures.”

Credit: Denis Finnin

Credit: Denis Finnin

The exhibit also features models and replicas of preserved specimens from the American Museum of Natural History as well as cast fossils of prehistoric animals to investigate how they could have, through misidentification, speculation, fear or imagination, inspired the development of some legendary creatures.

WANT TO GO? 

WHAT: Dragons, Unicorns & Mermaids: Mythic Creatures

WHERE: COSI, 333 W. Broad St., Columbus

WHEN: Now through Sept. 2

ADMISSION: $5, or $4 for members in addition to general admission. General admission is $25, or $20 for ages 2 to 12. Admission is free for museum members and children under 2.

MORE INFO: www.cosi.org

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