For the number loving mathematicians — this is for you! The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia is featuring a special exhibit called A Mirror Maze: Numbers in Nature, until September 4, 2017. Explore unique observances of how numbers and patterns are found in nature, your body and the world around you.
Patterns are found everywhere, but we rarely have time to stop and notice them. When we do, they inspire great buildings and help us solve difficult problems. This exhibit shows how math is used to unlock the mysteries and majesty of the patterns of our world through a series of engaging interactive elements and immersive experiences.
Throughout this special Numbers in Nature exhibit, you’ll discover the mathematical patterns of the natural world—from the nested spiral of a sunflower seed, to the ridges of a mountain range, to the layout of the Universe.
You’ll discover fractal branching . . .
explore the golden ratio . . .
and ponder things like spirals and the voronoi pattern.
I was a little worried about it being too much information for a three-year-old and seven-year-old, and wondered if they’d get bored. They didn’t. I think it was because of the interactive nature of the exhibits, that were packed with hands-on-activities that kept the children, and adults, learning in creative ways.
At the center of the exhibit is a stunning 1700-square-foot mirror maze that will challenge you to discover the hidden patterns within to reveal the secrets of the maze. It’s a maze made completely out of mirrors to trick your mind as you walk through it.
You can see how it quickly gets confusing—and addicting! There were lots of laughs and oohs and ahhs as we explored!
Throughout the maze you’ll encounter interactive screens on the mirrors that will appear as you approach. Each of these screens are unique learning opportunities for different number patterns like Pascal’s Triangle and triangular tessellations.
There’s one thing for sure, you won’t get bored at the Mirror Maze: Numbers in Nature exhibit, but you might get lost exploring mathematical patterns!
How To Save On Your Visit
Your Mirror Maze admission ticket includes full admission to the entire museum.
- Goldstar is offering a $3 discount per ticket for admission to the Mirror Maze. Tickets regularly cost $25 for adults or $21 for children ages 3-11, but if you order on the Franklin Institute website there is a $12 service charge for 4 tickets, making it more expensive than Goldstar’s offer.
- If you are a Museum Member your discounted rate is $5 per adult or $4 per child. If you have an ASTC membership through another museum (at least 90 miles from Franklin Institute), call to see if you can pay the $5 rate before you go. Group discounts are also available at $19 per person. Please call to make reservations.
- The Entertainment Book does offer a BOGO on museum admission. This does not include admittance to the special exhibition Mirror Maze, but you might be able to pay for just the maze like members do, after you buy your museum passes.
There is a parking garage beneath the museum. It will cost you about $20 for the day to park in the parking garage. Other parking options may be available in the area, but we didn’t look into them. I’m sure you could find something cheaper if you’re willing to explore and walk a little.
A Mirror Maze: Numbers in Nature
is open daily from 9:30am to 5pm, until September 4, 2017.
>> Get your discounted tickets here. <<
We used our Mirror Maze pass to check out the rest of the Franklin Institute and ended up spending the entire day there! Read more about our Franklin Institute visit and how we recommend maximizing this field trip opportunity.
