Staff Reports
INDIANAPOLIS — Although DC universe fans will have to wait until March 2022, for the next cinematic installment of “Batman,” guests to the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis can get their superhero fix with “DC Super Heroes: Discover Your Superpowers.” In celebration of the 80th anniversary of Wonder Woman, museum attendees can join forces with Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman and the other members of the Justice League to battle super-villains such as the Joker, the Riddler, Cat Woman and Poison Ivy in this interactive and educational exhibit.
Upon entering the museum, visitors are immediately attracted to the colorful and super-sized displays on the second level because of the larger-than-life figure of Wonder Woman — decked out in her ‘I mean business’ gold armor — suspended from the ceiling. Also visible in the lobby is a mock fire escape, where Cheetah, the latest DC villain, lurks.
As with many Children’s Museum exhibits, the underlying theme running throughout is one of teamwork. As the superheroes of the Justice League work together, so, too, can the world’s children work together to solve problems (and the puzzles in the displays).
Visitors gain admittance to the exhibit by way of a hand-scanner that detects whether those entering are friend or foe. Once allowed inside, guests can take a short quiz to discover their hidden hero talents.
One of the most popular activities in exhibit is the video green screen where guests can select a scenario and save humanity through the use of a superpower, for example, sending lightning bolts into an evil robot to destroy it. This activity includes the option to send a video of yourself saving humanity to the email of your choice.
In another section of the room, kids can engage in some physical fitness with Aquaman, first by balancing on the back of surfboard-like fish and then jumping along the backs of sea turtles to test agility.
Poison Ivy engages us in a little plant identification; Batgirl coaxes us carefully through the bank without setting off alarms along a path of bat symbols reflected on the floor.
The exhibit also offers opportunities to work cooperatively in trying to figure out puzzles — some of which require two people. Solve a puzzle and collect a letter. Rearrange the letters to light up the bat signal near the exit and you can claim success.
As with all Children’s Museum exhibits, empowerment and character are important lessons and messages. Scattered among the superhero cut-outs and interactive computer games are real-world-applicable posters about how to be a superhero in your day-to-day life. Posters suggest how be a friend and or become a volunteer.
And at scheduled times during the day, presentations and workshops are offered. Called ‘The Hero Headquarters Training Center,” kids (and adults) can design and sketch their own superhero costume, take a master class in superhero history, or create superhero trading cards.
The exhibit runs through Sept. 26.
