Creatures of Light: Nature’s Bioluminescence

Fernbank Museum’s new exhibit Creatures of Light: Nature’s Bioluminescence is a highly imaginative and whimsical space showcasing nature’s glowing creatures.

The entire exhibit is in the dark, lit only by the glows of firefly filled trees, patches of glowing mushrooms, and beautiful-creepy glowing creatures. My two boys and two girls, ages 2 to 11, each found things that interested and delighted them.

Usually I’m the one reading all the exhibit notes aloud, but this time they were 10 steps ahead of me, probably because of the presentation and how the words were glowing and popping out at them. My big kids really enjoined the interactive touch pads, being immersed in an amazing deep sea environment full of fluorescent coral, and learning about treasured minerals that glow.

My younger ones loved peering into the cave of glowworms, chasing fireflies, and the sea creatures like glowing jellyfish and the anglerfish. “It’s the fish from Nemo Mom!!!,” one said. Just when we thought it couldn’t get any better, we got to sit down and watch a mini movie.

Since it is dark throughout the entire exhibit, I’d recommend bringing an extra set of hands and eyes if you’re visiting with young children. It was great fun for all ages, and truly a little piece of Never Never Land.
– Alicia Garcia