Steampunk, Form and Function II, an Exhibition of Innovation Invention & Gadgetry
The Charles River Museum of Industry and Innovation’s new exhibit Steampunk, Form & Function II, and an Exhibition of Innovation, Invention and Gadgetry, sponsored by Steampuffin, modern technology meets the Victorian era.
Inspired by the works of authors like Jules Verne and H.G Wells, and grown out of the world of science fiction, steampunk has become a cultural phenomenon like that of the punk rock movement of the 1980’s or the goth movement of the 1990’s. Supporters of the movement describe steampunk as an alternate history where modern technology and Victorian life meet. At its core steampunk asks the question, what would the world look like if modern technology were available, when steam was king, corsets were mandatory and man was learning to fly? Since its inception in the 1980’s, the movement has infiltrated mainstream fashion, art, interior design, literature, technology and entrainment. Elements of the movement can be seen on the runway of Paris, in home design stores across the country, in Hollywood productions and on gamers’ screens.
The Charles River Museum of Industry & Innovation is the first museum in the country to feature an exhibit solely dedicated to the steampunk movement. Steampunk, Form & Function offers an informational and interactive look into the world of steampunk and all that it encompasses including, fashion, literature, entertainment and much more. On display visitors will find modern Victorian clocks, a steampowered top hat, GPS and iPods devices with gears and gages, and a grand piano. They can shred paper, play with light, or sit back and enjoy a steampunk movie.
Encompassed in the exhibit are over fifty works of art from some of the world finest steampunk artists and amateurs. The artwork was submitted earlier this fall to the Museum’s Steampuffin Steampunk Form & Design Competition sponsored by Steampuffin and ModVic home design each submission uses authentic Victorian Era antiques and incorporates modern technology into them to create a new functional steampunk work of art.
Steampunk, Form & Function opens October 31, 2011 runs through February 26, 2012. Admission is $7 for the general public and $5 for seniors\students; admission is free for children under six. The Museum is located at 154 Moody Street in Waltham, MA 02453. For museum hours more information visit http://www.crmi.org or call 781-893-5410.
