Remember in primary school how fun it was going on excursion to the Museum? Picture that, plus live music, interactive lights and maybe a few drinks too.

The South Australian Museum and Ancient World have teamed up in celebration of National Science Week and the International Year of Light to bring you Night Lab.

Lara Torr from the Museum says Night Lab is about creating the right atmosphere. “Lots of people have really fond memories of the Museum from childhood, but sometimes they need a bit of a push to come back and experience the Museum as adults,” she says.

The evening has been tailored specifically to tie in to the International Year of Light. “Every year the UN proclaims an ‘International Year of something‘ to raise global awareness of a particular issue or phenomenon,” Torr explains. “[This year] is of particular interest to the Museum because it links to so many aspects science and every-day life, from photonics to bioluminescence.”

One of the main attractions on the night will be Skydome – an inflatable planetarium that uses a digital projector and a hemispherical mirror to project a 360° image inside a 5 meter diameter dome. “You’ll be able to see realistic, full-horizon images of the night sky, plus you can zoom in on constellations, planets and deep-sky objects,” says Torr.

There will also be tours through the Aboriginal Cultures Gallery, led by astronomer Paul Curnow, who will explore Aboriginal interpretations of the night sky. An exhibition of the Australian Geographic ANZANG Nature Photographer of the Year will also be on display, as will the Tintype Photo-booth, which shows how photography has evolved from darkrooms to digital technology.

Artist Sebastian Tomczak has created an interactive installation that will allow audience members to take over the lighting display throughout the museum foyer. “Hopefully the bands will appreciate an impromptu, audience-driven light show,” says Torr.

Having collaborated for last year’s Science Week, Torr says it was an easy choice to have Ancient World curate the music stage. “They’ve put together such an interesting programme of local performers, it will be fantastic to see how the music transforms the Museum.”

The suitably scientific Sparkspitter will play their math rock, while the Ross McHenry Trio will keep the jazz flowing. DJ Wolfpanther will be on the decks, as will Oisima, fresh from an Australian wide tour of his debut LP.

Night Lab is held at the SA Museum on Friday September 21 from 6pm, details here. Update: The event has now sold out.

What

Night Lab: The Hidden Science of Light

Where

The South Australian Museum

When

Friday August 21