Strange Science: Out of Time

Join NASA-JPL ambassadors as they take us on a journey into the cosmos to learn about two very special “time machines.” Explore a relic from the origins of our solar system, 4.5 billion years ago, and learn about the James Webb Space Telescope, designed to see stars and galaxies that are at the farthest reaches of our universe.

Author and naturalist Charles Hood will take us on a visual and auditory tour of the rainforest in the year 2050. What will be the same, what will have changed, and what reasons do we have to think about the future of nature with a mix of hope and joy?

A “good death,” one with dignity and honor, was once reserved for only human family members. But what about pets, who by the 19th century had become increasingly beloved? This lecture by author and photographer Dr. Paul Koudounaris tells the story of dedicated animal lovers who challenged tradition and flaunted long-held public opinions to create the first urban cemeteries for pets.

Strap in for a wild aerial performance with a motley crew of time travelers, who embark on adventures through different periods in history.

Meet live birds of prey and hear their stories; learn about them, their habitats, and the challenges they face. Tallon Knight, a master falconer for 30 years, will share stories of these remarkable birds.

Created especially for “Strange Science: Out of Time,” this dynamic new ballet work is just like time itself: It may race or fully stop—and everything in between. Los Angeles Ballet’s athleticism and artistry will leave you feeling mesmerized and perhaps even lost in time.

Have you ever wanted to get up close and personal with an owl, hawk, or gyrfalcon? Now is your chance to take a picture with our raptor ambassadors. Falcons' Court is a non-profit 501C-3 that promotes education of birds of prey. Gloved handlers will be available to educate and give you the opportunity to take a photo with raptors against spooky backdrops.

Embark on an immersive spectacle of sight and sound. This thrilling trek will transport you to a time long forgotten, where ancient wonders and primeval vistas await.

Step into a time rift and have your image preserved for the ages!

Get lost in the beats on the dance floor with DJ Matt Rubino. The possibilities are infinite.

As part of PST ART: Art and Science Collide, this exhibition analyzes the impact of industrialization and a globalized economy on everyday life from 1780 to 1930, as charted by scientists, artists, and writers, and contextualizes the current climate crisis within this historical framework.
Exhibition Details

Enter the glass rotunda filled with some of the world’s most unusual plants. Wander through a lush rainforest, explore the wetlands of a carnivorous plant bog, and ignite your scientific curiosity with interactive exhibits in the Plant Lab. The plants are up to something!
About the Conservatory

Photo by Brandon Tam.