Discover Your Superpowers in “Hall of Heroes” at The Durham Museum
The Durham Museum is unmasking its first exhibition of the 2023 calendar year with Hall of Heroes, on display January 28-April 16, 2023. Hall of Heroes celebrates and explores both the history and science behind America’s fascination with superheroes and how they impacted popular culture throughout the 20th century and beyond. Visitors of all ages are encouraged to explore, learn and test their heroic abilities at engaging and challenging interactive stations. Ever wonder how your favorite super-powered characters were created? Hall of Heroes provides an immersive experience for visitors to understand the world of heroes, crime-fighters and gadgets. Their journey takes them through several themed environments with surprises around every corner. Visitors will explore the histories of heroes and the circumstances that created them, while discovering the ideals that make them the heroes that we know and love. Hall of Heroes includes:
• Life-sized statues of the Incredible Hulk, Iron Man, Wonder Woman, Black Panther, Batman and Superman (great for photo ops!).
• A full-scale interactive recreation of the iconic 1960’s Batmobile and Batcave, and a showcase of the various gadgets used in the television series.
• Movie props, reproductions and rare artifacts from past and present major motion pictures and television shows.
Hall of Heroes was created by Stage Nine Design and is distributed by Exhibits Development Group.
The exhibit is supported locally by Valmont Industries, Mutual of Omaha, Douglas County Nebraska, Children’s Hospital & Medical Center, Parker Family Foundation and Verhalen Family Foundation. Supporting sponsor: ACX Cinemas. Media sponsor: KETV.
Exhibit Programming
Superhero Saturdays
Every Saturday in February (4, 11, 18, 25)
Grab your cape and flash down to The Durham every Saturday in February for Superhero Saturdays! Enjoy meet-and-greets with costumed superheroes while practicing your heroic skills. Adults and children in costume receive a special prize each week (while supplies last). These events are included with museum admission—no registration is required.
Superheroes with The Smithsonian
IN-PERSON or VIRTUAL LECTURE—you choose!
Thursday, March 2, 6:30-7:30PM (Museum stays open late, until 8PM!)
Using artifacts cared for by the National Museum of American History, this lecture explores how superheroes participate in our national conversations, engage with important social and political issues and help shape our identities. Join this lecture in person at the museum, or via Zoom. Advanced registration is required. To register call 402-444-5071, email reservations@DurhamMuseum.org or go online to DurhamMuseum.org. In-person option: regular museum admission applies; free for members. Virtual option: no cost to attend. Once you have registered, you will be emailed a link to access the program.
Eric Jentsch is a Curator for Entertainment and Sports at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History. Jentsch has worked on several projects connecting American history to its popular culture, including the museum’s past superheroes display. He was one of the curators responsible for the development of the museum’s new Entertainment Nation exhibition, which opened in December 2022.
Superhero Soiree
Friday, March 31, 6-10PM
$15 for Members, $25 for Non-members
CALLING ALL SUPERHEROES AGE 21 & OVER! Fly, sprint or teleport over to The Durham for a late-night adventure through Hall of Heroes! Test your heroic abilities in Hall of Heroes and an inflated obstacle course, flex your brain muscles at superhero and pop culture trivia and hone your sense of taste with signature cocktails at the cash bar. Costumes are encouraged. Free popcorn will be provided while supplies last. Additional food and super sweet treats will be available for purchase at the Soda Fountain. To purchase tickets, register online at DurhamMuseum.org/heroes or call 402-444-5071. Must be 21 or older to attend.
Teacher Workshop featuring Hall of Heroes
Tuesday, January 31, 4-6PM
At The Durham Museum, teachers are our superheroes! Local educators are invited to our Hall of Heroes teacher workshop to learn more about on-site and virtual opportunities for your classroom. Educators will also be given the first opportunity to register for field trip funding and find out about the numerous free virtual opportunities that the museum has to offer. There is no cost to attend, and refreshments will be provided. Teachers must register in advance on our website or by contacting the Education Services Department at 402-444-5027 or education@DurhamMuseum.org.
A Super Birthday Party!
Our NEW birthday package includes museum admission, 2 hours in your own party space, entry and exploration of the Hall of Heroes exhibition, choice of superhero-themed activity and/or craft, plus time to enjoy the museum! This package is only available from January 28-April 16. To inquire and book your superhero party, email rentals@DurhamMuseum.org today.
To find out more about Hall of Heroes and exhibition hours, please visit www.DurhamMuseum.org/heroes.
