Moody Gardens has huge summer fun with big reveal at Aquarium Pyramid plus much more

JOURNEY TO NEW DEPTHS AT MOODY GARDENS AND THEIR AQUARIUM PYRAMID BIG REVEAL

Moody Gardens creates an amazing adventure where the salty sea wraps around our world

photo: V. Sweeten

SPECTACULAR NEW AQUARIUM EXPERIENCE: No matter where you live, you’re connected to the ocean. It produces the food you eat, oxygen you breathe, and weather you experience.  Explore wondrous worlds, learn how we’re saving species, and get involved to protect our ocean.

GULF OF MEXICO RIG EXHIBIT:  See the balance of technology and nature through this two-story, scale model oil production platform aquarium. An area that lacks hard structure, these manmade “Islands” provide valuable attachment surfaces for an array of encrusting organisms to create an entire “reef” ecosystem found throughout the Gulf of Mexico.

JELLYFISH GALLERY: Prepare for a whimsical array of soft-bodied predators. Lights, sounds and textures further enhance the display of these free-swimming coral relatives.

MANGROVE LAGOON:   Your journey to the Caribbean begins with the Mangrove Lagoon where Cownose Stingrays and Bonnethead Sharks swim lazily around the jungle of stilt roots that provide critical habitat for most of the region’s fish communities. Touch these creatures as they swim by and join our naturalists to learn more about these important ecosystems. Another touch tank features invertebrates and small fishes that provide an additional immersive experience for young and old.

HUMBOLDT PENGUIN HABITAT: Meet the new Humboldt penguins! The introduction of a second penguin habitat allows you to see another species native to a warmer climate. Adjacent to the original South Atlantic, this habitat will show how these unique bird species utilize the southern hemisphere waters; from the Antarctic pole to the Equator.

DA VINCI: THE EXHIBITION COMING TO MOODY GARDENS

A comprehensive look at the life and work of the original Renaissance man

© Al Powers, PowersImagery.com

Moody Gardens presents Da Vinci: The Exhibition from May 27, 2017 to Jan. 7, 2018 at the Discovery Museum. The exhibit follows the Renaissance master, Leonardo da Vinci, on a journey of innovation, creativity, science and wonder.

Developed by Aurea Exhibitions and produced by Imagine Exhibitions, Inc., Da Vinci: The Exhibition is a hands-on examination of da Vinci’s life, research and art. Featuring more than 60 fully-built, life-size inventions, more than 20 fine art studies and dozens of stunning displays, the exhibit chronicles the complex beginnings and lifetime achievements of da Vinci through his discoveries in art, engineering, flight, hydraulics, music, light and more.

Throughout the exhibition’s themed galleries, visitors will discover the breadth and scope of da Vinci’s incredibly advanced understanding of science, mathematics, nature and the relationship between the three. The artist’s intricate and extraordinary early concepts are spotlighted, including his design for the helicopter, tank, SCUBA, crane, clock, submarine and his plan for a modern city.

In addition to da Vinci’s role as an inventor, the exhibition investigates a collection of his most renowned paintings, including some controversial works traditionally attributed to him, but not yet authenticated. Guests will have the opportunity to thoroughly study the artistic mastery behind such works as “Mona Lisa,” “The Last Supper,” “Portrait of a Young Man,” “Virgin of the Rocks,” “St. John the Baptist” and more.

Throughout his lifelong devotion to the sciences and fascination with nature, da Vinci also extensively explored the world of anatomy. Da Vinci: The Exhibition’s in-depth and enlightening explanations of his famous studies on subjects such as the golden ratio, and “Vitruvian Man” are complemented by enlarged examples of the artist’s sketches and notes made during his controversial research on the human body.

“We are excited to bring this unique exhibit to our visitors,” said John Zendt, President and CEO of Moody Gardens. “Most people think of da Vinci as an artist, so being able to feature his work as an inventor and scientist as well provides a thrilling opportunity.”

Admission is $14.95 for adults; $12.95 for seniors ages 65 and over and children ages 4 to 12; children 3 and under are free. Da Vinci: The Exhibition is also included in a Moody Gardens Day Pass to all attractions for $69.95 for adults; $59.95 for seniors ages 65 and over and children ages 4 to 12 and a Two-Day Pass for $89.95 for adults; $74.95 for seniors ages 65 and over and children ages 4 to 12. For more information call 800-582-4673 or visit www.moodygardens.org. 

ADVENTURE AWAITS GUESTS WITH DINOS ALIVE EXHIBIT

Embark on a Jurassic adventure this summer when Dinos Alive comes to Moody Gardens.

KEEP COOL THIS SUMMER AT MOODY GARDENS PALM BEACH

Guests can enjoy lazy river, tower slides, live music with fireworks and more

   

Guests are invited to kick off their summer with a splash, complete with sinking their toes in white sand.

The Moody Gardens summer hot spot – and private beach – will open for the season with the opportunity to keep cool at Palm Beach in the 650-foot lazy river, wave pool and two 18-foot tower slides or lounge beneath palm trees.

Other attractions include beach volleyball on regulation courts and the Aquarium Adventure play area. The splash pad automated aquatic water feature offers interactive dump buckets, spray arches and fountains for a day of fun at the beach.

Palm Beach will be open weekends only in May including Memorial Day weekend. The attraction opens daily June 3-Aug. 20. As the summer season comes to an end, Palm Beach will be open weekends only Aug. 26-Sept. 9, including Labor Day. Admission is $23.95 for adults, $18.95 for children and seniors, or $65 for a season pass. Children age 3 and younger can enter Palm Beach free.

And, don’t miss out on Bands on the Sand, June 9 – Aug. 12. Enjoy this summer concert series Friday and Saturday nights from 6-10 p.m. Each concert features local and regional R&B, rock, country and blues bands. Admission is $15 and children age 3 and younger can enter free. Each show ends with a fireworks display over Offats Bayou, overlooking the Moody Gardens pyramids.

For more information about Palm Beach and Bands on the Sand, please visit www.moodygardens.org or call 800-582-4673.

photos courtesy of Moody Gardens

featured photo credit: V. Sweeten