In the News: Da Vinci Science Center opens ‘Sharks’ exhibit

Excerpt from story by Grace Griffaton from WFMZ 69 News

There’s something fishy about the Da Vinci Science Center’s latest exhibit.

For a limited time, you can get up close and personal with some of the ocean’s most misunderstood creatures.

69 News, a sponsor, got a jaw-dropping, first look at its newest exhibit, and we were there to capture the sheer awe of members as they walked through it for the first time.

“Sharks” brings you under the sea to better understand the predator that gets a bad rap.

More than 30 life-size models give visitors a true sense of scale and the rare chance to take a picture with a shark.

The biggest one greets visitors with a toothy grin.

“I love kind of the awe when you look at the size, especially of this Megalodon,” said Executive Director Lin Erickson.

“I was a little bit scared, but when I went around the whole thing, it was like, not that scary anymore,” said 10-year-old Aria of Emmaus.

It’s the center’s second traveling exhibit.

“It was a no-brainer, and you know, we are the third venue besides the American Museum of Natural History,” boasted Erickson.

Organizers say it’s a great opportunity to learn and to educate your little ones.

“I didn’t realize that, we, about 10 people are killed by sharks every year, but 100 million sharks are killed by people,” stated the executive director. “There’s great need to help protect the sharks.”

“It’s just really great to have these experiences. I didn’t have them when I was young, so to have something here, like this, is great,” said Michelle Messa, a mother who brought her son.

It’s also helping to reduce the stigma that tends to surround sharks.

“Some people, if they’re afraid of sharks, and it’s still the shark exhibit to visit here to, like, conquer their fears, like I did,” added Aria.

The exhibit runs Saturday through March 2, 2025.

Tickets for non-members are $10, plus the price of admission.