Optical
challenges, hands-on puzzles and an invitation to look at the world through
three-dimensional glasses are among the highlights of a visit to
Located
in a former several-story-high World War II bunker in a quiet residential
neighborhood, the museum is a showcase of optical illusions, holograms and
exhibits aimed at awakening an interest in more than one level of the viewing
experience. Upon entry visitors are provided with their very own pair of
green-and-red tinted glasses through which they are invited to peruse the many
images which have been created to portray more than a simple two-dimensional
universe.
Drawings
of artist Christo Javacheff’s
“wrapped Berlin Reichstag” take on depth as one dons the glasses and moves
around the flat surface. It’s as if one could reach into the artist’s work and
rearrange the objects and people within. One experiences the same sensation in
a poster for the film “Tomb Raider” which is displayed next to a print of
Leonardo da Vinci’s “Vitruvian
Man” that obviously served as its inspiration.
Many of
the images are familiar — M.C. Escher drawings, Dali and Picasso paintings —
but it is a treat to become reacquainted with them among the many eye-opening
optical puzzlers.
The
museum building, which once served as protection for Frankfurters in the
neighborhood from Allied bombs, was built in 1938 and features two-meter-thick
outside walls.
Even
before entering the exhibition, one is provided with an obvious clue that humor
plays a hefty role in the exhibition. A giant bust of Vladimir Ilyich Ulyanov Lenin adorned in a
hefty pair of three-D goggles welcomes newcomers to the facility. Once inside
visitors are directed up the stairs to wander through the gallery. Because of
the dense outer walls and dimly lit interior in some rooms, one has the
impression that empty frames await viewing in some rooms. But closer inspection
reveals a world populated by the holographic likes of a very real-looking,
three-dimensional Dracula, baskets of eggs, cubes and other animate and
inanimate objects.
Besides the many puzzlers — drawings which reveal an entirely
different image when viewed from a different angle or perspective — are
stereoscopic pictures and Single Image Random Dot Stereograms.
While most of the optical teasers reveal a second level fairly quickly, the
SIRDS take a serious dose of patience.
Young
people may enjoy the hands-on puzzles as much as the visuals. Besides solving
T-form and tower puzzles, younger visitors are welcome to make music with
cowbells, a steel drum, piano and other instruments.
Museum
curator Gerhard Stief first began displaying his
collection in the town of
One of
the most intriguing holograms titled “Shower Lady” features an almost cinematic
quality viewing experience. As one moves from left to right the
three-dimensional woman depicted in the shower seems to become aware of the
viewer and takes steps to protect herself from prying
eyes. One is rewarded with a wink from the modest maiden as one reaches the far
right side of the image.
The Explora is not the largest museum in the world, but because
many of the displays require patient viewing, one finds the time passing
quickly. A cafe in the museum features refreshments for those needing a break.
The
The Explora is open Tuesday through Sunday from