The Chronicles of Narnia: The Exhibition Pulls into Union Station

Here is the official news release about the Exhibition, in full for those who wanted more information. Thank you to Mark Sommer for reminding me that this was available!

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Exhibition will open Memorial Day weekend at Union Station Kansas City. The Station becomes the third museum and first in the Midwest to host this exhibition. The Becker Group, Ltd., which recently combined operations with Exhibitgroup/Giltspur, produced the exhibition in partnership with Walt Disney Pictures and Walden Media. Based on the blockbuster film series and C.S. Lewis’ beloved fictional books, the 10,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art entertainment and educational experience offers visitors the opportunity to tour scenes from the famed literary world of Narnia. Through authentic costumes, props and set dressings from the magical Narnia films, visitors will enter a three dimensional world that combines the wonders of science with aspects of fantasy. Tickets are on sale now at unionstation.org.

“This exhibition is a truly captivating and entertaining experience for all ages,” said Eddie Newquist, President of Branded Entertainment at Exhibitgroup/Giltspur. “From the scene displays and props seen in the Narnia films, to the scientific and educational aspects of the exhibition that stimulate the senses and the mind, guests will be transported into another world to experience Narnia like never before.”

“It’s going to be a magical summer at Union Station for kids and families,” said George M. Guastello, II, president and CEO of Union Station Kansas City, Inc. “The Station is fortunate to be selected for the Midwest premier, and visitors can expect to find the Station transformed into the world of Narnia from the moment they step inside our doors.”

Science City, Union Station’s interactive science center, will offer special programming connected to the exhibit. And Union Station’s resident children’s theater company, Theater for Young America, will present live stage performances of “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” on select dates this summer.

“This exhibition brings together all of the core elements of our mission,” said Michael R. Haverty, chairman of Union Station’s Board of Directors. “It educates visitors in science, history and the environment.”

Visitors to the exhibition will view artifacts from C.S. Lewis’ personal study and experience exciting environments such as the famous attic and wardrobe. Once inside Narnia, visitors will encounter falling snow and other interactive and instructive elements including:

• A replica of the White Witch’s Throne where visitors can sit on the icy throne and feel the chill. A nearby display describes the impact of climate change on our planet and investigates whether our planet could be frozen for 100 years, like the world of Narnia.

• An area featuring King Miraz’s Castle from The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian where visitors have the opportunity to build an arch, while learning about the architectural structure and strategy involved in the design.

• An area highlighting the mythical creatures of Narnia, which allows visitors to create their own creatures featured in the film. Three stacks of rotating, square blocks stand in three-, four- and six-foot configurations, each level featuring different aspects of a creature. By rearranging the different levels, visitors can create well-known characters from the Narnia films or mix and match the squares to create new characters.

Exhibit tickets are $7 for Union Station members and youth groups of 15 or more; $9 for children 3 to 12 and adult groups of 15 and more; and $14 for adults (13 and older). Purchase tickets by May 1 and receive FREE tickets to Science City. To purchase tickets, visit www.unionstation.org. Exhibit hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon to 5:30 p.m. Sunday. The exhibit will also be open 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Memorial Day, Monday, May 25. The exhibit runs through Aug. 23.

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader intends to go into production this summer for a winter 2010 release.

About Union Station Kansas City
Union Station Kansas City is a historical landmark and civic asset renovated and reopened to the public in 1999. It features a science center, national traveling exhibits, the region’s only 3D giant screen movie theater, live theater, shops and restaurants. A bistate cultural sales tax, the first of its kind in the country, funded nearly half of the $250 million renovation. Union Station is a nonprofit 501c3 organization. The Station is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. Union Station Kansas City, Inc. also operates the Kansas City Museum in Kansas City’s historic northeast neighborhood. This fall, Union Station will host two other world class exhibits, Andy Warhol Porfolios: Life and Legends and Chocolate, the Exhibition. For more information, please visit www.unionstation.org

About Exhibitgroup/Giltspur
Exhibitgroup/Giltspur (EG) is an award-winning experiential marketing agency known for creating meaningful and memorable connections between leading companies and their customers. By producing powerful brand experiences through exhibits, events, mobile marketing tours, permanent installations, and temporary retail environments, EG helps clients accelerate the sales process, deepen brand loyalty and consistently deliver superior results. The company also creates branded entertainment experiences that surprise and delight audiences worldwide. Backed by the financial strength of its parent company, Viad Corp (NYSE: VVI), EG employs nearly 600 industry professionals in 28 client care centers throughout the world. For more information about EG, please visit www.e-g.com.