James Bond Museum Exhibit – “007 Science: Inventing the World of James Bond”

 

 

By Adrian Naves

 

 

 

 

007 fans rejoice! If you ever wondered how they were able to utilize the impressive gadgets and tech in Bond films, you’ll wonder no more. The new upcoming “007 Science: Inventing the World of James Bond” exhibit comes to the Museum of Science and Industry (MSI) to celebrate the world of Bond…James Bond.

 

The 007 Science exhibit focuses on the science and technology based on some of the famous gadgets, cars, and other props from the iconic film franchise. With nearly 100 movie artifacts, a fleet of vehicles Bond has driven, and a replica of Q’s lab for visitors to get an up-close look at everything the exhibit is offering. “All the science and technology that goes into both adapting these cars, and into all the gadgets that he uses is really incredibly creative, and it’s supportive of the STEM [Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics] education that we try to do every day here at the museum,” said Kathleen McCarthy, Director of collections and head curator at MSI.

 

The iconic vehicles from James Bond films: The green Jaguar in “Die Another Day” and the cello case in “The Living Daylights.” Credit: Provided/Museum of Science and Industry

Modern films are currently reliant on CGI for special effects, the great thing about the bond films (both classics and current bond films) is that they rely on practical effects – granting them the ability to create movie props and sets which can be displayed to the public after filming. You can see the miniature sets or most physical things on the screen. On opening day, visitors will be able take pictures of their favorite artifacts, they include the car from “Casino Royale” (2016) which rolled around nearly seven times, the Wetbike that Roger Moore rode in “The Spy Who Loved Me” (1977), and the iconic jetpack used in “Thunderball” (1965). Visitors are also allowed to interact in a lab modeled after the Q Branch to test spy devices using field technologies, just like how Bond received his technical briefings.

 

The many variations of Aston Martins used in Bond films and the signature Bond cars on display. Credit: Provided/Museum of Science and Industry

“007 Science: Inventing the World of James Bond” is open through October 27 at the Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. Jean Baptiste Pointe DuSable Lake Shore Drive. The exhibit will require an additional admission ticket to the exhibit. For more information, please visit the Museum of Science and Industry website.