uncover the truth behind popular myths and legends

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When MythBusters - The Explosive Exhibition opened in 2012, it shifted the paradigm of what an interactive touring exhibition can and should be. Engaging across generations and cultures, the exhibition brought out the true bliss in science experimentation. Proving that science can and will be done anywhere by anyone who is inquisitive. With over a million visitors to the experience and a dozen hosting museums, MythBusters pushes what can be in a museum. The experience encourages running through a rain chamber of glowing water to see if you are wetter walking or running through the rain. It encourages throwing cards at speeds of 40 plus miles per hour, jumping in swings, and hanging off ledges of buildings. It goes so far as to providing the opportunity for guests to be fired at by a paint ball at 25 feet per second to test human reaction time.

GMC+A is honored to have worked directly with Discovery Channel, the MythBusters, EDG and the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago, to bring the most influential science television show to museums through this project. This project, the first of its kind for Discovery, has since triggered a whole department dedicated to location programing.

The challenges of MythBusters became apparent when trying to make an exhibition about experimentation that is aligned with the television show that uses lots of explosives. The exhibition tells a story about the scientific method and its use, inspiring people to follow the method whenever they have questions. What we faced was a way to design safe and affordable interactivity that is as exciting as blowing something up. Although we did try a few explosions along the way, we came to the conclusion that encountering something surprising creates the same impact emotionally. Running in water in a museum or being shot at with paint balls, is emotionally on par with, if not more adrenaline pumping, than watching an explosion on a television screen.

MythBusters: the Explosive Exhibition

Client: MythBusters Exhibition 

Size: Gallery Space – 9,000 square feet

Opened February 2012; Chicago, Illinois

Demographic: 6 and up

Scope of Services 

  • IP Acquisition & Artifact Acquisition

  • Charrette Sessions & Interpretive Planning 

  • Conceptual, Detail & Graphic Design 

  • Project Management

  • Financial Management 

  • Sub-Consultant Coordination 

  • Sound composition & Design 

  • Lighting Design & Electrical Integration 

  • Media Production & Scripting 

  • AV/Multimedia Integration 

  • Facilitation Programing 

  • Educational Programing 

  • Touring Preparation & Venue Design