CLEVELAND, Ohio – They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. Great Lakes Science Center (GLSC) isn’t barking up that tree with its new exhibition – opting to wag human tongues and tails instead.
“Dogs! A Science Tail” is a hands-on exhibition that explores the bond between humans and dogs – “one of the most successful interspecies partnerships of all time!” It opens Friday, November 8, 2024.
The immersive, multisensory exhibition highlights the dynamic nature of the pupper-people relationship and enables visitors to learn first-hand the many ways dogs experience the world around them.
“We’re expecting this might end up being a popular date night draw,” said CEO Dr. Kirsten Ellenbogen in an interview with Cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer last week during an exclusive sneak preview.
“Dogs are such a beloved topic. We expect this will draw well beyond our typical audiences.”
“Dogs!” is a relatively new traveling exhibit originally from the California Science Center. It will remain on display at GLSC through the end of March 2025.
Even the most seasoned dog parent will learn a thing or two at “Dogs! A Science Tail” — no bones about it.Peter Chakerian, Cleveland.com
In other words, plenty of time for families, kids and furbaby fans to get their puppy fix.
“Dogs!” offers a dog’s eye view into understanding how canines communicate with each other and the world through intriguing, hands-on exhibits. There’s plenty of information to take in on breeds, the differences between breeds, genetics and more.
“We also get into all sorts of cultural aspects of dogs,” Ellenbogen said. “Of course, around the world people treat their dogs differently and the exhibit gives you a sense of that – along with a whole career piece centered around dogs, where you can try out different canine-related careers.”
Visitors can roleplay as an archeologist, digging up replica fossils to find out if they belong to dogs or wolves – as well as analyze bones and DNA patterns to see how scientists study dog domestication.
Experiences will range from listening to hidden sounds that dogs can hear but humans can’t, walking a dog through an interactive neighborhood to understand how pets strengthen the community, or testing your pup-culture knowledge during a game of “Jeopawdy!” based on the show “Jeopardy!”
Are you faster than your favorite breed? “Dogs! A Science Tail” will test your legs against your canine companions.Peter Chakerian, Cleveland.com
Visitors can interact with virtual dogs and explore the jobs that dogs and humans undertake together; test their running speeds against canine compatriots and more. You can even get inside a dog’s head to see and hear like them. Hint: they don’t see quite the same way we humans see.
Everything about the exhibit is fun, engaging and joyful, replete with bright colors, multimedia and playful energy. Visitors of all ages will come away from the experience learning something new – no bones about it. You’ll love it so much, in fact, that you might be inspired to bring your doggo with you.
Sad to say, you’re barking up the wrong tree with that idea.
“We all know you love your furry friends, but they need to stay home during your visit,” Ellenbogen said. “We say that you can tell them all about it when you get home!”
Cultural touchstones and canine curiosities abound in “Dogs! A Science Tail,” on exhibit at the Great Lakes Science Center now through March 2025.Peter Chakerian, Cleveland.com
Fear not, pupper parents. While you can’t bring your dog with you to “Dogs!” there are kiosks within the exhibition where you can share digital photos and record stories about your dog in a sharing activity.
This essentially makes your dog – and all the other “very good boys” and “very good girls” across Northeast Ohio and beyond – a pawsitive part of the exhibit.
“So, while you may not be bringing your dog here, your dog is going to be a part of your experience here at the Great Lakes Science Center,” Ellenbogen said.
To complement the opening of “Dogs! A Science Tail” on November 8, GLSC is also bringing a fan favorite film back to the giant screen in the Cleveland Clinic DOME Theater.
“Superpower Dogs,” a larger-than-life big-screen adventure features dogs with life-saving “superpowers” and bravery. The film is narrated by fellow actor-superhero Chris “Captain America” Evans, introduces viewers to dogs who save lives as part of elite disaster response teams.
“Superpower Dogs” will play at noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. daily through March 30.
Tickets for movies in the DOME Theater are only $5 when added as a combo with general admission to the Science Center. Tickets for just the theater are also available.
Admission to the “Dogs!” exhibition itself is free with your general admission ticket.
Ellenbogen is excited to share this traveling exhibition with visitors and said landing it here in Northeast Ohio was an endeavor close to two years in the making.
Like so many of us, she grew up with dogs, has a dog and thought she knew much of what there was to know about them. Yet, she found herself learning a lot from this exhibit. She knows that the same will hold true for visitors.
“I will say that it has definitely made me more empathetic for the way my dog experiences the world,” Ellenbogen said. “It’s really changed the way I think about them.”
Great Lakes Science Center, 601 Erieside Ave., Cleveland. 216-694-2000, greatscience.com.
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