Museum of Science and Industry

EXPLORE THE SKIES AND THE HISTORY OF AIR TRAVEL IN MSI’S NEW OMNIMAX® FEATURE, LEGENDS OF FLIGHT

Witness take-off and landing inside aircraft from the past—and be the first to experience a new era of commercial flight, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner

Chicago (June 18, 2010) – Get ready for the flight of your life on June 18, 2010 as the Museum of Science and Industry debuts a new Omnimax film, Legends of Flight, in its five-story, domed theater.

Featuring iconic 20^th century aircraft, Legends of Flight portrays how advances in design and technology influenced air travel and led to the development of a radically new 21^st century machine:  the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. 

Bringing the past into the present, the film’s highpoint is the pre-flight drama surrounding the 787 Dreamliner’s maiden flight.  You’ll experience the thrill of being in the cockpit with The Boeing Company’s chief pilot, Capt. Mike Carriker, as he takes the airplane skyward for the first time and tests its limits.

Legends of Flight runs through Feb. 11, 2011 at the Museum’s Omnimax theater, located in the Henry Crown Space Center.

Audiences will also explore the skies with six additional aircrafts—the very machines that influenced modern aeronautical study and design and made the 787 Dreamliner a reality.

Feel the gut-wrenching force upon take-off inside the tight confines of a Harrier Jet; soar over the highest peaks in a sleek Schleicher Glider; loop and roll above the ocean in a classic two-seater Boeing Stearman wooden plane used for training during World War II; and relax in an innovative Airbus A380, the flagship airliner of the Airbus collection and the largest passenger jet in the world. 

With experience piloting more than 130 various aircrafts, Carriker serves as the ultimate guide and interpreter during your journey, and you’ll witness all the milestones leading up to the debut of the 787 Dreamliner—manufacturing, assembly, testing, first flight and roll out.

Nearly every feature of the jetliner is revolutionary.  With the use of lightweight materials, eco-friendly engines, enhanced cockpit technologies and a modernized aerodynamic design, the 787 Dreamliner is 20 percent more fuel efficient than its predecessors.  Innovative passenger-friendly features such as, higher humidity and improved air quality—allow for a more relaxed, enjoyable flight. The overall improvement to the jetliner’s interior is noticeable and impressive. 

Legends of Flight, in production for more than four years, is the latest giant-screen feature film from acclaimed Canadian filmmaker, Stephen Low and is produced by The Stephen Low Company and distributed by K2 Communications Inc. 

After the film, walk over to the Museum of Science and Industry’s Transportation Gallery and stand among various aircraft from both the past and present—floating overhead.  See a 1917 Curtiss JN-4D (“Jenny”) in midst of a barrel roll, a 1928 Boeing 40B flying smooth and level, a 1930 Texaco TravelAir Model R Racer turning swiftly, a1940 Supermarine Mark 1A Spitfire aggressively closing-in on its target and, one of two surviving in the world, a 1941 Junkers Ju-87R-2 Tropical Stuka engaged in a steep dive.

Finally, explore the inner and outer workings of an actual United Airlines Boeing 727.  Climb aboard the plane's fuselage and draw tangible comparisons between this aircraft and the Boeing 787 Dreamliner from the film. Through numerous hands-on activities, interactive displays and experiences, you’ll leave MSI with a new understanding of aviation.

Omnimax^® films are not included in Museum general admission and require an additional timed ticket.  Legends of Flight plays several times daily at MSI through Nov. 4, 2010.  General admission tickets, with the addition of an Omnimax film ticket, are: $23 for adults, $21 for seniors and $16 for kids 3-11.  City of Chicago residents receive a discount as follows: $21 for adults, $19 for seniors and $15 for kids 3-11.  Additional ticket and show time information is available at msichicago.org.

The Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago (MSI) offers thousands of fun and interactive exhibits and one-of-a-kind, world-class experiences to inspire the inventive genius in everyone. Through its Center for the Advancement of Science Education, MSI also aspires to a larger vision: to inspire and motivate children to achieve their full potential in science, technology, medicine and engineering. Come visit and find your inspiration! MSI is open every day except December 25, and regular hours are 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Museum is supported in part through the generosity of the people of Chicago through the Chicago Park District. For more information, find MSI online at msichicago.org or call (773) 684-1414 or (800) GO-TO-MSI outside of the Chicago area.

Press Materials

• Legends of Flight Press Release (PDF)

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