I’ve never been a big fan of going to the museum but to see C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia: The Exhibition come to life I had to make an exception. The exhibit is making its East Coast debut on November 28 at the Franklin.
Andrew Adamson, the director of the book adaptations The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, in 2005, and Prince Caspian, which came out earlier this year, has done a fine job in satisfying the imaginative possibilities of the book thus far. But I had to see for myself what Narnia might look like when staged inside the Franklin, using authentic costumes, props, and set dressings from both films.
Love the Snow:
Like Lucy from the movie, traveling through the mysterious wardrobe was necessary in order to get to the icy land of Narnia. A soft snow fall marks your arrival in this magical world. Open your eyes to original costumes and artifacts from The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe. Since the White Witch isn’t around, take a seat on her icy throne and experience the same eerie chill that Edward felt. Later on, you’ll get to the see the witch’s palace, filled with petrified specimens like a five million-year-old cave bear tooth.
Love the Nature:
The land is in full bloom in Prince Caspian’s world, and the attention that was paid to the smallest details, like King Miraz’s Castle, is worth admiring. The fourth room recreates the massive tree where the Otters lived. If you think you’ll fit, take a peak inside, and check out their tiny dining ware. In the Create a Creature station, spin rotating boxes to match up the right mythical creatures. I love Mr. Tumnas (my favorite nymph).
Love the Knowledge:
The exhibit is fun for all ages, but is also packed with information. At each station there is data that is similar to the situations in the movie. Here’s a freebie: did you know the coldest place on the Earth is Vastok, Antartica at -125F? Well, it is! Other things you can learn about are deforestation, architecture and kinetic energy.
Love the C.S. Lewis Stuff:
Fans of the books will get a chance to see artifacts from Lewis’ personal study like journals and reading glasses. The prolific author penned the seven books that make up the Chronicles of Narnia series between 1949 and 1954. To date, they have sold more 100 million copies in 41 languages.
Fri., Nov. 28 – April 19, 2009, Mon – Tues, 9:30am – 5pm; Wed – Sat, 9:30am – 8pm; Sun: 9:30am – 7pm, $17.50 - $22.25, Franklin Institute, 222 N. 20th St., 215.448.1200, www.fi.edu
