Te Papa and Weta Workshop bring Bug Lab to Wellington

Te Papa and Weta Workshop bring blockbuster Bug Lab to Wellington this summer

Te Papa and Weta Workshop have joined forces to bring a blockbuster science exhibition to Te Papa this summer.

Bug Lab is a high impact, hands-on experience for the whole family.

On at Te Papa from 10 December to 17 April, the newly-created exhibition gives human visitors a chance to learn from the genius of bugs.

Visitors will enter a colourful, magical space, marvel at large-scale bug models, and explore hands-on science.

The concept of the exhibition is a show developed by the bugs themselves.

“For 450 million years, bugs have been getting smarter. From brain surgery to teamwork to the power of flight – they really can do it all. Now they’re sharing their genius to help humans make the world a better place,” says Weta Workshop’s Richard Taylor.

Te Papa Chief Executive Rick Ellis said the exhibition would be like no other.

“This is a next-level experience that is going to have a huge wow factor for visitors. We know how important science and technology education is for New Zealand’s future, and Bug Lab is going to get young Kiwis excited about those subjects,” Mr Ellis says.

After its season at Te Papa, the exhibition is designed to travel the world, and is already garnering strong global interest.

“We have bookings in progress for Bug Lab to travel to Australia, London and several cities in the US,” Mr Ellis says.

The exhibition is expected to appeal to those with an eye for design. Created in a unique, organic style nicknamed “bug nouveau” by the exhibition designers, it combines the latest immersive technology with the beauty and wonder of the natural world.

Creative leads for the exhibition are Weta Workshop’s Sir Richard Taylor and Te Papa Head of Design Ben Barraud – who worked together on Gallipoli: The scale of our war.

The science behind Bug Lab comes from Te Papa entomologist Dr Phil Sirvid, TV’s own “bug man” Ruud Kleinpaste, and University of Canterbury spider scientist Dr Simon Pollard.

The exhibition opens on Saturday 10 December 2016 and closes Monday 17 April 2017 (Easter Monday).

Ticket prices are $15 for adults and $5 for children, with concession and family tickets also available. Tickets will go on sale in November.

© Scoop Media