A never-before-seen global exhibition providing an experiential journey of science, storytelling, and art is making its only U.S. tour stop in Philadelphia from May 29 through June 6 at the Oval on the Ben Franklin Parkway.
The exhibition, Future Sensations, is being installed in honor of the 350th anniversary of Saint-Gobain, one of the world’s largest building materials companies. It is an immersive experience with five distinct ephemeral pavilions that take visitors on a sensory journey of science, storytelling, and art that celebrates the past three and a half centuries and offers glimpses into future innovations that will transform the world.
“There is no mistaking the architectural influence Paris has had on Philadelphia, and now our City has the distinct privilege of hosting the “Future Sensations” exhibition on Benjamin Franklin Parkway, which was modeled on Paris’ own Avenue des Champs–Élysées” said Mayor Michael A. Nutter.
The touring exhibition makes four stops across the globe, including Shanghai, China; São Paulo, Brazil; Paris, France; and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – the only tour stop in North America and home of Saint-Gobain’s domestic headquarters.
Here’s what you’ll experience at the exhibition:
A Reflection of Progress
The LOOK pavilion is comprised of numerous mirrors inlaid with LEDs and is a tribute to Saint-Gobain’s tradition of glassmaking. By day, its exterior reflects the dynamic world around it; by night, it becomes a perpetually shifting cube of light.
A New Sensation
The LISTEN pavilion is a nod to the Company’s acoustic performance materials. This “padded” cube is perfectly sound insulated and uses sound-unique “spatialization” technology to take visitors on an interactive aural journey.
The Stuff of Dreams
The COLOR pavilion is a freestanding carousel made of two glazed mobile concentric rings with custom-contoured multicolored textures. A kaleidoscope on an epic scale, this slowly revolving installation transports visitors into a dreamlike multicolored world.
The Art of the Matter
The CREATE pavilion is a true architectural feat – a seemingly perpetual spiral staircase that evokes the upward movement of mankind across the centuries.
History and Future
The final pavilion, DISCOVER, exclusively designed for the Philadelphia exhibition, is an impressive 70-foot dome offering an immersive 360 degree visual experience. Here, visitors will learn more about how Saint-Gobain innovations and employees have impacted the lives of everyday Americans. Whether it is Delaware Valley-headquartered construction materials powerhouse CertainTeed, world leader in abrasives Norton Company or the dynamic glass technology of SAGE™, the full breadth of the North American portfolio will be on display in ways that will challenge and delight viewers regardless of age or background.
Visitors can enjoy the exhibition at the following times: Saturdays, 12 to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 12 to 7 p.m.; Monday, 12 to 6 p.m.; Tuesday–Friday, 12 to 10 p.m.
For more information on Future Sensations, click here.
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