New exhibition set to turn lights on in Launceston

Image: courtesy of Museums Victoria. 

The Queen Victoria Museum at Inveresk is set to welcome its latest blockbuster family exhibition this weekend. 

Developed by Museums Victoria, Illuminate: How Science Comes to Light is a brand-new exhibition exploring the science behind the fastest traveller in the universe – light. 

Exclusively on display in Tasmania at QVMAG, the exhibition is designed to ignite the senses through hands-on interactive play, this vibrant festival-themed exhibition explores visual perception and illumination through colour, sound and action. 

Visitors will be transported to a dusk bush setting where lights are twinkling, and a music festival is kicking off. 

Whether it’s jamming with laser beat drummers, exploring how machines see or cutting shapes on the shadow stage, visitors will feel like the main act as they play with light and shade. Like any good festival, there are also moments of rest, quiet contemplation and creativity, as well as collaborative art elements exploring the science of colour mixing at the pixel mixer and colour connections exhibits. 

The exhibition is divided into six zones, including:  

• The Refractory: Use tools that bend light to make things appear bigger or closer so that we can see things better.  
• Sensor Sonic: Dance through sensors to make percussive beats, spin dials to program music with colour and scan barcodes to create your own soundscape.  
• Wonder Vision: Disappear behind an invisibility shield and find out how our eyes see by playing with a simple camera that turns everything upside down.  
• Chroma Zone: Mix assorted colours by adding or removing parts of the visible light spectrum.  
• Light & Shade: Light travels in a straight line and when it is blocked, a shadow is cast. Grab your friends and family, get up on stage and dance with shadows.  
• Mirror Mirror: Create patterns of colour with a giant kaleidoscope and experiment with your appearance using a mix of image-morphing mirrors. 

City of Launceston Mayor Matthew Garwood said the exhibition offers an incredibly fun experience for all ages. 

“Our latest exhibition is an incredible experience for all ages to enjoy. While the exhibition is best suited from ages six and above, there’s so much on offer for younger members of the family with colourful exhibits at a range of heights," Mayor Garwood said.  

“Whether you’re dancing with shadows, creating your own music or playing with the morphing mirrors; this exhibition is a fantastic experience for northern Tasmanians of all ages.  

“I encourage everyone to make the absolute most of this free exhibition at QVMAG while it’s on display—particularly over the busy holiday season.” 

Creative Arts and Cultural Services General Manager Shane Fitzgerald said it was great to welcome the blockbuster family exhibition to Tasmania, just in time for the holidays.  

“One of our core commitments at QVMAG is to develop, and host, leading STEAM education experiences for our Tasmanian communities—and this is exactly that,” Fitzgerald said.  

“We’re looking forward to welcoming thousands of inquisitive minds, both young and adult, to this exhibition while on display. There’s truly something for everyone in the family to enjoy. 

“Since waving goodbye to the beloved Phenomena Factory in April 2022, our team have worked hard to develop and deliver a schedule of outstanding exhibitions for families, and further activate our museum with fresh, vibrant and exclusive touring experiences—of which Illuminate is one.  

“We’re looking forward to welcoming thousands of families through our doors to enjoy this exhibition while on display until April 2024.  

Illuminate: How Science Comes to Light is proudly developed by Museums Victoria and will be exclusively on display in Tasmania at the Queen Victoria Museum at Inveresk from 18 November 2023 to 28 April 2024 with free entry.