(Morristown, NJ) -- This April, join us in Morristown as we test the boundaries of clarity and confusion. The Morris Museum is pleased to announce the opening of “Now You See It: The Art of Magic and Illusion,” which will be on view from April 2 through August 15, 2015. Special programs are planned, including an Indian Magic Art performance.
Artists, magicians, and illusionists have been tricking the human eye for centuries. From the trompe l’oeil paintings of the Baroque period, to the Op-Art illusions of the 20th century, artists have distorted the viewer’s perception to create masterpieces of illusion. Magicians, using “sleight of hand” in the same way artists use hue, value, and perspective, have delighted spectators with seemingly impossible tricks. Similarly, contemporary illusionists have harnessed technology and animation to augment reality in logically defying ways.
“Now You See It” will feature more than twenty hands-on, interactive stations. Visitors can perform gravity-defying stunts with the aid of an Anti-Gravity Mirror, take trick “selfies,” or search for a place to sit down in a Crazy Chair. Antique magical props, works of art from the Museum’s permanent collection, and automata from the Museum’s Guinness Collection will also be featured. The interactive exhibits will be provided by The Me Museum™ co-founders, Bob Yorburg, Mark Setteducati and Nic Gould.
In conjunction with Now You See It, the Morris Museum will hold the following public programs. Further program and ticket information is available by calling 973.971.3706 or online at morrismuseum.org.
Indian Magic Art Performance
Saturday, May 9, 1:30pm
Join world-class magical entertainer Shreeyash Palshikar for a show featuring the mysterious world of Indian magic. The performance will include the Indian rope trick, a water suspension mystery demonstration, and more.
Shreeyash Palshikar is the nation’s premier Indian magician. Combining the best of Eastern and Western magic, he has created a unique fusion magical style that appeals to people worldwide. Palshikar has studied with Penn & Teller, top UK magician Paul Daniels, and Samjunath Wadi, one of India's oldest living jadoowallas. For further information, visit palshikar.com.
Tickets: $10 Members; $12 Non-Members; $9 Groups (20 or more)
Magical Illusion CampRegistration: $140/child for Members; $180/child for Non-Members
IMAGE: Leviant’s Enigma. Image courtesy of the Morris Museum, Morristown, New Jersey.
About the Morris Museum
Founded in 1913, the Morris Museum is an award-winning, community-based arts and cultural institution which serves the public through high caliber exhibitions in the arts, sciences and humanities. The Museum also offers educational programs, family events, and is home to the Bickford Theatre and its wide range of performing arts offerings. Continuously serving the public since 1913, the Morris Museum has been designated a Major Arts Institution and has received the New Jersey State Council on the Arts’ Citation of Excellence, among other awards. The first museum in New Jersey to be accredited, the Morris Museum was re-accredited in 2013 by the American Alliance of Museums.
The Morris Museum is a Blue Star Museum, offering free admission to active duty military personnel and their families, from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Location & Hours
The Museum is located at 6 Normandy Heights Road (at the corner of Columbia Turnpike) in Morristown, NJ, and is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 11:00am to 5:00pm and Sunday, 12:00 to 5:00pm. In addition, the Museum is open evenings from 5:00 to 8:00pm on the second and third Thursday of the month. Admission to the Museum is $10 for adults and $7 for children, students and senior citizens. Admission is always free for Museum members. For more information, call (973) 971-3700, or visit www.morrismuseum.org.
