MOTAT brings the wonder of flight to life

18 July 2018

MOTAT brings the wonder of flight to life with Above and Beyond

It’s all systems go at the Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT) as the Auckland institution prepares to put aviation and aerospace innovation firmly in the spotlight this summer by hosting the blockbuster flight exhibition, Above and Beyond.

Launching in mid-November, this internationally acclaimed travelling exhibition celebrates the power of innovation to make dreams take flight. Presented by Boeing and developed in collaboration with NASA and the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, MOTAT is the exclusive New Zealand venue for Above and Beyond on its global tour.

From space elevators to flying cars and supersonic jets and mega-rockets, Above and Beyond is a once-in-a-lifetime immersive experience which has been enjoyed by visitors of all ages and interests around the world. The large-scale exhibition offers unprecedented interactive demonstrations of advances in aviation and aerospace, from the first powered flights to the newest technologies on Earth and in space.

“MOTAT, with its world-class aviation collection and vision to inspire future generations, is perfectly aligned with the themes and principles underpinningAbove and Beyond,” says Museum Director, Michael Frawley. “As one of Auckland’s must-experience museums, MOTAT is delighted to bring this exhibition to New Zealand; to take our visitors on a journey of discovery into the science and innovation behind flight through immersive simulations, augmented reality and a range of interactive design challenges.”

The exhibition explores the motivations and stories of past and present aerospace innovators developing life-changing new flight technologies. It inspires children and young adults to imagine future careers in aerospace and builds engagement with science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).

"After Boeing’s founding in 1916, the New Zealand Flying School became our first international customer by purchasing two Boeing B&W aircraft. Since then, we’ve been honoured to support the country’s commercial and defence aviation needs including the recent announcement that the New Zealand Government selected the Boeing P-8 as its new maritime patrol aircraft," said Maureen Dougherty, president of Boeing Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific. “Our long relationship with New Zealand is why we are so excited to see Above and Beyond come to MOTAT; from the history of flight to the future of space travel, this exhibition will be a great experience for New Zealand’s future engineers, pilots and explorers.”

MOTAT visitors will have the opportunity to design their own virtual jet and race against other players in a high-speed flying competition, be transformed into virtual birds through motion-sensing technology and ascend to Earth’s orbit in a simulated space elevator.

Above and Beyond, opens at MOTAT in Western Springs on Saturday 17 November 2018 and closes on 11 March 2019. In preparation, the Museum is currently refurbishing sections of its Great North Road site to accommodate this multisensory exhibition.

ENDS

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