Many thrilling things happened this past weekend, one of which was "Out of this World," the Connecticut Science Center's Pre-Opening Celebration which was held on Saturday, May 30.


liveinhartford and realhartford were recognized as members of the working media (Yay New Media!) and participated as chroniclers of the event.

The party was billed as "a night of atmospheric energy" where attendees were encouraged to dress "Geek Chic, Scientifically Stylish and Futuristically Fashionable."

Perfect! As a geek, everything I wear is Geek Chic. But in case my teal dress and 4" bronze heels weren't geeky enough just 'cause I was, y'know, wearing them, I glued some sparkles to myself. They were noticed.

However...


...my Geek was not as Chic as CD Lady.

So.

If you know me at all, you know I have a crush on science. It's reasonable to assume, then, that I would be thrilled about a Science Center in Hartford.

I am.

Even a little tiny one would have been cool.

But the scale of this place blew me away!


This is the escalator from the entryway to the main floor.


Those little things are people.


That's a party down there.

In addition to the scale of the Science Center, I was impressed with the elevators. Like super impressed. I love mechanical things.


This is the elevator structure. Everything is exposed, and the cars are clear at the back. They go up very quickly.



While I was speeding up to the sixth floor, the Connecticut River came into view and took my breath away.

Once I was on the sixth floor I checked out the terrace.


I looked up and saw my friend the moon embraced by the arms of the Science Center.

What's a Science Center without a moon, anyway?




From another terrace I saw Hartford from an unexpected perspective.

Wow, huh?

The Science Center sported an impressive array of things you could drop balls into so that bells would ring and things would make clicking noises and spin. I love that stuff.


This is the blue one.


This is the green one.

Most of the exhibits at the Science Center are interactive.



This exhibit connects old toys with new wires. You activate the exhibit with buttons outside the display.



This display shows how wrists work.



This man is playing a game of Mind Ball. Basically you put on the headband and try to calm your brain waves. Is it cheating if you have a glass of red wine while playing?



I was most fascinated by the plastic fork-and-cup palm tree. When I pressed a button it started to move and whisper, just like the wind was blowing through it.



This is where I learned that Kerri is not a horse. Either that or she's a really small horse. She generated .01 horsepower.



I read this sign as a metaphor.



This shirt's only sayin' it 'cause it's true.



The Connecticut Science Center will be open to the public on June 12. General admission is $16 for adults, $15 for seniors, and $13 for ages 3-17. Admission is free for those two and under. You can also become a member or purchase a season pass.

There will be something for everyone.