Mythical monsters, skeleton warriors and Greek gods have invaded Science Museum Oklahoma’s smART Space art galleries as part of "Ray Harryhausen – Mythical Menagerie."
Called a "must-see" exhibit by USA TODAY, see it through Dec. 3, 2017, only at Science Museum Oklahoma.
A must-see for fans of cinematic history, fantasy films, and special effects
“Ray Harryhausen – Mythical Menagerie” is a comprehensive exhibition of close to 150 of the original models, prototypes, bronzes, sketches and storyboards from stop-motion animation pioneer Ray Harryhausen's “The 7th Voyage of Sinbad,” “Jason and the Argonauts,” “The Golden Voyage of Sinbad,” “Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger” and “Clash of the Titans.”
The exhibition was developed in partnership with the Scotland-based Ray and Diana Harryhausen Foundation and is the first U.S. exhibition of Harryhausen’s work since his death in 2013.
The exhibition runs from July 29 to Dec. 3, 2017, and is included with general admission.
Fall Film and Lecture Series at Science Museum Oklahoma
Dec. 2, 2017: The 7th Voyage of Sinbad
With special guest Connor Heaney, collections manager for The Ray and Diana Harryhausen Foundation
Doors open at 6 p.m., lecture and screening at 7 p.m.
General admission: $10
The first of the Sinbad series, in 1958’s "The 7th Voyage of Sinbad," Sinbad undertakes a journey to an island of monsters to rescue a princess who has been shrunken by an evil wizard. Guests will learn about the movie and its history from Ray and Diana Harryhausen Foundation Collections Manager Connor Heaney, see the film, and get access to the exhibit. Concessions, along with a cash bar for those 21+, will be available.
Sept. 15, 2017: Jason and the Argonauts
Doors open at 6 p.m., screening at 7 p.m.
General admission: $10
In the 1963 film Tom Hanks called “the greatest movie ever made,” the legendary Greek hero Jason leads a crew on a quest for the Golden Fleece. The film includes Harryhausen’s legendary Skeleton Warrior fight scene. Two of the Skeleton Warriors, along with numerous other artifacts from the film, can be seen at SMO. Tickets include the screening and access to the exhibit. Concessions, along with a cash bar for those 21+, will be available.
Oct. 20, 2017: Clash of the Titans
Special guests Vanessa Harryhausen, daughter of Ray Harryhausen, and Connor Heaney, collections manager for The Ray and Diana Harryhausen Foundation
Doors open at 6 p.m., screening at 7 p.m.
VIP experience: $100
General admission: $25
1981’s "Clash of the Titans" is the retelling of the Greek myth of Perseus, who had to battle Medusa and the Kraken to save Princess Andromeda. In this once-in-a-lifetime event, learn about the film’s history and legacy and then go deeper in a Q&A moderated by deadCenter Film Festival Head of Operations Alyx Picard Davis featuring Ray Harryhausen’s daughter, Vanessa Harryhausen, and Ray and Diana Harryhausen Foundation Collections Manager Connor Heaney. Vanessa Harryhausen was on-set during the filming of "Clash of the Titans" and "Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger" and has a unique perspective on her father’s life and career and will recount these memories in public for the first time.
The VIP experience includes a reception and meet-and-greet with Vanessa Harryhausen and Connor Heaney, reserved seats in the auditorium, and access to the exhibit both before and after the screening. General admission tickets include the screening, lecture, Q&A, and access to the exhibition following the screening. Concessions, along with a cash bar for those 21+, will be available.
"This exhibition showcases the importance of Ray Harryhausen as the forerunner of movie special effects and how his innovation in stop-motion animation has led to the special effects and CGI animation people are familiar with today. Film giants from George Lucas and Steven Spielberg to James Cameron, Peter Jackson and Tim Burton credit Ray’s work as an inspiration source. This exhibition offers a rare and special opportunity to see original models and art that make up a huge part of cinematic history."
Scott Henderson, Director, smART Space
"The collection held at The Ray and Diana Harryhausen Foundation is not just artifacts of historical and cinematic importance, but is also a window into the science of photo chemical film making. In recent years, we have witnessed resurgence in both stop-motion animation and the use of film. Studios have recognized both the financial savings of returning to this technique and healthy box office receipts proving audiences will to come to what had been a widely-ignored art form."
John Walsh, filmmaker and trustee for The Ray and Diana Harryhausen Foundation
The exhibition is part of The Ray and Diana Harryhausen Foundation’s #Harryhausen100, a countdown to Harryhausen’s centennial on June 20, 2020. Now in its 30th year, the foundation archives, preserves and restores the Harryhausen collection and works to educate the public about his unique contributions to film history. The Ray and Diana Harryhausen Foundation is a registered Scottish charity (No. SC001419).
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Historic photos courtesy The Ray and Diana Harryhausen Foundation. Model photography by Andy Johnson for The Ray and Diana Harryhausen Foundation. Gallery photography by Science Museum Oklahoma.