CHICAGO — Iconic cars, gadgets and props from the James Bond film series are set for the spotlight at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry (Griffin MSI) starting March 7, 2024. The Museum's new, limited-time exhibit, 007 Science: Inventing the World of James Bond, is the first-ever official exhibition to focus on the science and technology behind the world's longest-running movie franchise.

007 Science explores the way in which physics, chemistry, engineering and mathematics have shaped James Bond's on-screen adventures. Delving behind the scenes, the exhibition reveals how the Bond production team harnesses real-world science to craft 007's gadgets and vehicles to create the movies' thrilling stunts and action sequences. The exhibition is produced in partnership with EON Productions, the creators of James Bond films.

"The James Bond universe lies at the intersection of science fiction and science fact," said Dr. Chevy Humphrey, President and CEO at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry. "We are thrilled to partner with EON Productions to bring this groundbreaking new exhibit to life to tell the unique story of how science and technology is woven into popular fiction, which can often be a launching pad for imagining what's possible."

Guests of all ages will learn how real-world science drove many of the James Bond story ideas and how the movies prefigured many real-world inventions. See the prototype jetpack used in Thunderball (1965) deemed too dangerous for operational use and its modern day counterpart Gravity Industries Jet Suit. Have a look at Bond's suction cup climbers used in You Only Live Twice (1967) which only worked with some film magic as opposed to the real world Gecko Gloves that allow people to climb walls.

The exhibit will feature 13 vehicles and over 90 additional artifacts, including one Bond character's iconic lipstick and earpieces that allowed for secret communication in No Time To Die (2021), an MI6 Retina Scanner that enabled entry into the MI6 communications room in GoldenEye (1995), the Parahawk snowmobile hybrid from The World Is Not Enough (1999), a Safe Cracking Device from On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969), and more.

Guests can also step into a lab space inspired by "Q"-the source of secret field technologies in the Bond movies-and test their skills developing the perfect vehicle for spy activities, designing stunts, and more. Additional interactives offer familiar scenes from Bond films, such as a stunt-like "Hang Time" interactive for guests to test out how long they can hang from steel beams.

"EON Productions is proud to partner with the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry for our first-ever science-themed exhibition," said Gregg Wilson, Associate Producer of the James Bond film series. "007 Science invites the public to discover the real world science in front of and behind the camera."

007 Science is presented by Bank of America, powered by CDW and furnished by Grainger. DHL is the Official Logistics Partner of 007 Science. It is made possible by generous contributions from the Ian Fleming® Foundation and the International Spy Museum, as well as the University of Buffalo, DARPA, University of Pennsylvania and Gravity Industries.

"It's thrilling to be a part of such a creative and groundbreaking exhibit, one that explores the synergies of entertainment, science, and innovation to drive learning and curiosity for attendees of all ages," shared Rita Cook, President, Bank of America Chicago and Member of Board of Trustees at Griffin Museum of Science and Industry. "Bank of America believes in the power of the arts to strengthen communities, and our partnership with the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is just one way this commitment comes to life in Chicago. We hope the 007 Science exhibit inspires Chicagoans the same way the 007 franchise has inspired generations of moviegoers."

The exhibit is open March 7 through October 27, 2024, and requires a timed-entry ticket ($18 for adults, $14 for children, $9 for members) in addition to Griffin MSI general admission. There will be an option to upgrade tickets or attend special evening hours. Advance online reservations are encouraged. Griffin MSI Members will receive early access to secure tickets to the exhibit today with tickets opening to the general public on Wednesday, February 7, 2024 at 10 a.m. Griffin MSI Members will also have extended access to the exhibit during a Members Only Evening taking place on Thursday, March 7, 2024 between 5:30 and 9 p.m.

Throughout 2024, Griffin MSI will offer new programs and events inspired by the Bond films, geared toward helping kids and adults learn about spycraft, intelligence, encryption and more. Griffin MSI experts will first engage attendees of the Chicago Auto Show, occurring February 10-19, in a photo opportunity featuring one of the Bond film snowmobiles. The Museum's Education team has also opened registration for week-long Summer Camps themed around being a secret agent or spy, including a "Secret Agent Science" camp for Grades 3-5 and a "Spycraft Workshop" camp for Grades 6-9. Information about additional events and programming is coming soon.

For more information about the exhibit, visit msichicago.org/007science.

VISUALS: Photos of artifacts to be featured in the new exhibit are available for download here: https://msichicago.box.com/s/vbkkwzgpu20mf0jzxgb97kdzk3uh0qvk.

Photo credit: Griffin Museum of Science and Industry

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About EON Productions

EON Productions Limited and Danjaq LLC are wholly owned and controlled by the Broccoli/Wilson family. Danjaq is the US based company that co-owns, with Metro Goldwyn Mayer Studios, the copyright in the existing James Bond films and controls the right to produce future James Bond films. EON Productions, an affiliate of Danjaq, is the UK based production company that has made the James Bond films since 1962 and together with Danjaq controls all worldwide merchandising. For more information, visit 007.com & 007Store.com

About CDW

CDW Corporation is a leading multi-brand provider of information technology solutions to business, government, education and healthcare customers in the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada. A Fortune 500 company and member of the S&P 500 Index, CDW helps its customers to navigate an increasingly complex IT market and maximize return on their technology investments. For additional information, please visit www.CDW.com.