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Launch into hyperspace in this Star Wars themed Art After 5! Visit the cantina on Tatooine for a night of music, beverages, and art-making to begin your intergalactic journey.
Enjoy a stellar view from your X-Wing fighter with the exclusive, big screen release of the first images from the James Webb Space Telescope — the most powerful telescope ever launched into space. We’re partnering with the Civil Rights National Monument in Birmingham to feature the phenomenal images that study every phase of the history of our universe. Gather this important intelligence for the rebels in the interstellar fight with the Galactic Empire!
Poetry Workshop | 5:30pm – 6:00pm, 6:30pm – 7:00pm, 7:30pm – 8:00pm, 8:30pm – 9:00pm | Member’s Room:
The force is with you young skywalker, but you are not a Jedi yet. Luke Skywalker is challenged by Darth Vader in this critical scene to acknowledge not just a feeling or passion inside, but to transform that potential, or “force”, into action. What can we learn by considering our problems in conversation with the universe? Join Nabila Lovelace, the Eco-Poetry Fellow of Magic City Poetry Festival for a collaborative poetry experience that analyzes the “forces” we need to put into action here on Earth. As we consider the things we are passionate about, how do we both stoke the fires within us for justice while also doing something about the issues that provoke us? In this short poetic experience we will stargaze by looking at work from luminaries Lucille Clifton, Aracelis Girmay, Derrick Harriell & more to guide us as we consider these questions.
Telescopes with Birmingham Astronomical Society | 5:00pm – 9:00 pm | Upper Plaza:
Appreciate the origins of the technology that led to the creation of the James Webb Space Telescope! Get a closer look at the night sky and imagine yourself aboard the Death Star through the lens of telescopes provided by Birmingham Astronomical Society.
First Images & Sounds of the James Webb Space Telescope | 5:00pm – 9:00pm | Auditorium:
The James Webb Space Telescope is the largest, most powerful and most technologically challenging space telescope ever built. The telescope was built to see the most distant galaxies in the Universe and study how galaxies evolved over cosmic time. Visit our auditorium to learn more about this amazing telescope, see some of its first images and even hear some of the music it composed with the help of our mysterious universe!
Adventures in Space Virtual Reality Experience | 5:00pm – 9:00pm | Jemison Gallery Entrance (3rd Floor):
Immerse yourself in the mysteries of the universe! With our virtual reality headsets, get sucked into a black hole, marvel at the Milky Way, and witness how a star is formed. Through understanding the space that surrounds us, we can more greatly appreciate the gifts we’ve been given on Earth. National parks help preserve and protect cultural and natural heritage – but how do we do this when the very planet itself is threatened? Park rangers from Birmingham’s very own national park site will be there to guide your journey to galaxies far, far away.
DJ Dolly | 5:00pm – 9:00pm | Cafe:
Don’t worry like C-3PO because DJ Dolly will be spinning all the latest tunes to help you embrace the force within for this night of interstellar fun!
Guided by the Force of Light Art Activity | 5:00pm – 9:00pm | Main Lobby:
It is impossible to think about the battle between light and dark without remembering how they are both dependent on each other. Artist Afruz Amighi creates installations that make use of light and shadow to also engage more complex themes of politics, violence, and displacement. Her work, The Migration of Stars/while you were gone is on view in our current exhibition Light Play which draws from the Museum’s permanent collection to explore the influence and use of light in art. May the force be with you as you create your own Star Wars influenced rendition of art inspired by Amighi’s work!
Intergalactic Costume Party | 5:00pm – 9:00pm
Never forget the spooky side of the force! Show us your dark side for the scariest party in the galaxy by dressing up in your most fitting attire.
- NO lightsabers, blasters, or bowcasters to ensure the safety of the artwork.
360 Video Booth | 5:00pm – 9:00pm | Main Lobby:
Capture the force like Luke Skywalker through Bliss Booth’s 360 degree video booth which captures slow motion video of you and yours and immediately shares to your smartphone for all your social-sharing needs.