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Members' Preview & Opening Reception: Friday, June 22,
6 - 7:30 pm
The secrets of the tarantula's world are on full display this summer at the Stamford Museum & Nature Center in Tarantulas: Alive & Up Close. With a fearsome reputation and looks to match, there is much to learn about these gentle giants of the spider world.
There are more than 900 known species of tarantulas, which live all over the globe. They can be found living anywhere from the tallest rainforest treetops to deep underground in the most arid deserts. Tarantulas: Alive & Up Close features a unique array of live tarantulas, which showcases their varied life habits and habitats.
Species on display include a Goliath Bird Eating tarantula (the largest of all tarantulas), the rare Green Bottle Blue tarantula, and the Indian Ornamental tarantula, a species troubled by loss of habitat in the wild. In all, 20 live tarantulas are on display and each has a unique story
to tell.
This family-friendly exhibition focuses on the diverse and natural beauty of tarantulas, and provides uniquely engaging educational experiences. Special features of the exhibit include interactive components such as "Tarantulas of the World" interactive world map; "Name That Tarantula" identification activity,
"The Legend of the Tarantella" and more. Kids will enjoy the climbable "Tarantula Burrow", which provides more opportunity for learning through the Trip Line interactive experience. This piece also serves as a photo opportunity for visitors of all ages.
Tarantulas: Alive & Up Close will help visitors explore the world of these fascinating creatures while dispelling many myths about them. Often featured in films and popular fiction as fearsome and deadly, tarantulas can actually be beneficial to mankind. Did you know, for example, that tarantulas are being used in the fight against Muscular Dystrophy?
Tarantulas: Alive & Up Close is created by Outhouse Exhibit Services, Inc., and has been featured at the San Francisco Zoo and the Delaware Museum of Natural History, among others. Do not miss this unique opportunity! |
Related Tarantulas Programming
BUGFEST!
Saturday, June 23, 10 am - 3 pm
Celebrate the opening of our newest exhibit, Tarantulas: Alive & Up Close, with a day full of our favorite insects and invertebrates! We'll explore the forest, pond and field with nets and bug boxes for the boneless beasts that live there, investigate the world of invertebrates on a creepy crawly scavenger hunt and get the first chance to visit with the 20 species of live spiders in our new exhibit. We'll even have a chance to eat like a tarantula during our Edible Insects class, where we'll be serving real insect treats for visitors to try. Schedule of events will be available closer to the event.
Members: FREE | Non-Members: FREE with gate admission.
TARANTULA TALES
Thursdays, June 28 - August 16, 4 - 5 pm
Join SM&NC staff for a weekly exploration of the lives of our featured exhibit animals - the spiders! We'll share one of our favorite stories about our arachnid friends, then complete a take home craft worthy of these eight-legged critters.
Members: FREE | Non-Members: FREE with gate admission.
SPIDER SNACKS
Tuesdays, July 10 - August 28, 4 - 4:30 pm
Join us for a sneak peak at the feeding of our tarantulas and maybe even get a chance to see one munch on a crunchy cricket or two! Each week an SM&NC staff member will introduce a few of the tarantula species, talk about their feeding habits and serve up some spider snacks. Bug appétit!
Members: FREE | Non-Members: FREE with gate admission.
SPIDER SOIREE
Saturday, July 14, 4 - 6 pm
Our annual summer tea returns with eight legs! Dine on delectable treats such as "Ants on a Log" and "Beetle Crackers" while we drink "Bug Juice" and iced tea. We'll meet some live tarantulas, insects and insectivores up close, make a spider frame for the garden and get a special tour of our live tarantula exhibit. Participants will even have a chance to have their picture taken holding a live tarantula! Limited to 30 adults and 30 children. Register by calling 203.977.6521.
Members: $45 for 1 adult/child; $25 for each add'l person.
Non-Members: $55 for 1 adult/child; $25 for each add'l person.
TARANTELLA FESTIVAL - Minturnese Social Club of Stamford
Sunday, July 15, Noon
Join us on the Meadow and learn to dance the tarantella, under the direction of Tina Orgiera, while sampling delicious Italian food. |
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