Acclaimed exhibition celebrating Marvel’s visual and cultural impact to open at HMNS this December.
HOUSTON, TX — Following the smash success of its engagement in Europe, Marvel: The Exhibition – Universe of Super Heroes is about to land at the Houston Museum of Natural Science (HMNS), beginning December 19 (members see it first December 18). This exhibition features more than 150 original artifacts, including some of Marvel’s most iconic costumes, props, and original art, much of which has never before been put on public display.
“Our show begins with the origins of the Marvel Universe and moves through to the present day, giving a chance to see some of the rarest and most precious objects from the past over 85 years of pop culture history, and pointing toward the future with work from some of today’s foremost creators,” says curator Ben Saunders about the exhibition, which is produced by Semmel Exhibitions and Marvel Entertainment.
Marvel: The Exhibition – Universe of Super Heroes traces the story of the company and its influence on visual culture, while also uncovering the narratives of individual characters such as Captain America, Spider-Man, Black Panther, and Ms. Marvel; giving insight on how Marvel has influenced and drawn inspiration from the ever-changing tides of popular culture; and honoring pioneering creators such as Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, and Steve Ditko, whose imagination made Marvel into the endlessly expansive fictional universes we know today.
“Marvel transformed the idea of the Super Hero in the 1960s—and beyond—by ratcheting up the visual spectacle, emotional dynamism and philosophical sophistication of the action-adventure comics genre,” says Brian Crosby, head of Marvel Themed Entertainment. “Marvel has always been a reflection of the world outside your own window and one of its most compelling messages has always been, that anyone—regardless of race, religion or gender—can be a Super Hero.”
Breathtaking artifacts thrill collectors and casual fans alike, immersive set pieces and interactive installations bring the comic book world to life, and the visual aspects of the exhibition are accompanied by an immersive soundscape created by acclaimed composers Lorne Balfe. Visitors will enjoy the opportunity to get up-close glimpses at concept sketches, props, and costumes from Marvel Studios’ most popular films; pose for selfies alongside lifesize representations of Black Panther, Hulk, and other characters; and see the original art from some of Marvel’s most notable comics.
“We’re beyond thrilled to bring this extraordinary exhibition to Houston,” says Harry Hogeland, HMNS spokesperson for the exhibit. “Whether you’re a lifelong comic enthusiast or bringing the whole family for an unforgettable day, stepping through our doors directly into these immersive and captivating worlds of our favorite Super Heroes unleashes a pure surge of nostalgia, wonder, and imagination.”
The exhibition has been curated by an outstanding team that includes three scholars of comics – Benjamin Saunders, Matthew J. Smith and Randy Duncan, all of whom are university professors and experts in their field. Renowned comics writers and editors Ann Nocenti and Danny Fingeroth also contributed their time and knowledge, in order to create a fully-formed picture of the Marvel phenomenon.
Marvel: The Exhibition – Universe of Super Heroes is on display at HMNS beginning December 19 (members see it first December 18). For ticket prices or more information, visit www.hmns.org or call (713) 639-4629.
About Houston Museum of Natural Science
The Houston Museum of Natural Science—one of the nation’s most heavily attended museums—is a centerpiece of the Houston Museum District. With five floors of permanent exhibit halls, and the Wortham Giant Screen Theatre, Cockrell Butterfly Center, Burke Baker Planetarium and George Observatory and as host to world-class and ever-changing touring exhibitions, the Museum has something to delight every age group. With such diverse and extraordinary offerings, a trip to the Houston Museum of Natural Science, located at 5555 Hermann Park Drive in the heart of the Museum District, is always an adventure.
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