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Saturday, December 21
1:00-7:00 at Cranbrook Institute of Science, 1:00-4:00 at Cranbrook Art Museum
Join us for a Winter Solstice event jointly hosted by Cranbrook Art Museum and Cranbrook Institute of Science. Your $10 admission (members are free) gives access to the activities at BOTH venues!
Winter Solstice Celebration at CIS
The Winter Solstice, the darkest day of the year, has long been a time of celebration – of the pushing back of light against the darkness. This event draws upon historical and scientific interpretations with activities and programs that culminate in a lantern-lit parade around the campus.
- Things to Do:
- Join an ongoing workshop to create your lantern for the evening parade.
- Add to our community Solstice display of traditional natural elements -- branches, pinecones, seasonal fruits and more – and make a wish for the New Year.
- Design a holly leaf and berry spray that reflects age-old customs.
- Hear the historical importance of winter citrus fruits and make a dried orange-slice ornament.
- Explore shadow puppets, which rely on light and darkness, and make your own puppet to take home.
- Try a light-focusing activity based on the design of a Neolithic passage tomb at Newgrange, Ireland and the Mission Churches in California.
- Gain a new view of minerals with a mini flashlight tour of the Mineral Gallery.
- Enjoy a late afternoon musical performance of medieval Christmas carols and wassails by the costumed Roaring Wastrels.
- Gaze into the night sky through the lens of the Observatory telescope.
At 6:00 pm, join us for a culminating outdoor parade/processional as we bring light into the darkness!
Seasonal snacks, specialty drinks and adult beverages will be available for purchase in the Reflections Café.
Tickets for Planetarium shows, with seasonal and event-related programs, will also be available for purchase.
Dinosaur programs, and access to our newest traveling exhibit, The Science of Archimedes, are available for an extra charge.
Tickets are non-refundable.