DETROIT – "Star Trek" fans will soon have the opportunity to boldly go where few have gone before – on to the bridge of the original U.S.S. Enterprise, which lands at the Detroit Science Center this weekend as part of "Star Trek The Exhibition." The touring exhibit, which runs through Labor Day, features a comprehensive collection of authentic set re-creations, props and costumes from throughout the popular franchise's 40-year history.
Although hosting an exhibit based on a science-fiction series might seem a little odd for the Science Center, director of public relations and marketing Kelly Fulford believes it's actually a wonderful fit. "Our mission is to excite and inspire children and visitors to pursue and support careers in engineering, technology and science," she explained. "Science fiction often inspires science facts. The communicators in 'Star Trek' inspired the first flip phone. And I'm sure there are many other examples of that if you look back at science fiction."
The series has long been a favorite of many within the LGBT community – and for good reason, believes Andy Mangels, the openly gay best-selling author of several "Star Trek" novels. "One of the most important phrases to come out of 'Star Trek' was the Vulcan credo, 'Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations,'" Mangels said. "At its heart, 'Star Trek' was defined by that motto; race, gender, and even species didn't matter in a future where differences were not just tolerated, but actively embraced. Even if the TV shows never introduced gay characters (though the books did), GLBT fans could imagine themselves in that hopeful future, holding their tricorders, phasers and communicators. Conceptually and emotionally, 'Star Trek"s politics did 'boldly go where no man has gone before.'"
Visitors to the exhibit will have an opportunity to sit in Capt. Kirk's command chair, walk through a corridor of the Enterprise-D, visit Capt. Picard's quarters, see themselves "beamed" into the unknown, and experience the alien time portal from the original series' episode "City on the Edge of Forever" written by acclaimed sci-fi author Harlan Ellison.
Galleries will also celebrate real-life space explorers and the historical perspectives that gave rise to the popular series. And there will be hands-on activities, a special planetarium show ("An Enterprising Journey") and a chance to ride through a "Star Trek" adventure in a full-motion flight simulator. "For those who want that really immersive experience, it will be a real wild ride – and a whole lot of fun," Fulford said.
So too should be the new "Star Trek" movie that opens this May – possibly on the Science Center's IMAX screen. "We are negotiating that now. We could be one of the only places where you could experience the film and the exhibit at the same time," Fulford said.
And what about appearances by some of the series' famous characters? "We can't commit to that right now, but we're exploring a few things," she teased.
Ticket sales for "Star Trek The Exhibition" have been brisk – and Fulford believes she knows why. "I think with all the negative news and the bad economy, people are just excited to have something positive, fun and light-hearted they can come out and enjoy with the entire family for a few hours."
Plus, "You never know on what day you might meet a Klingon or a Cardassian. They'll be here during the run, too!"
PREVIEW:
'Star Trek The Exhibition'
Opens Feb. 14 and runs through Sept. 7 at the Detroit Science Center, 5020 John R St., Detroit. Hours: Tuesday-Friday 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tickets (including museum admission): $18.95 adults, $14.95 seniors (60+) and children (2-12); planetarium and IMAX are extra. 313-577-8400 or http://www.detroitsciencecenter.org
