Lanterns of Wonder: A Magic Lantern Showcase

December 29, 2024

11 am - 3 pm
South Lobby
Free

Join us for a fascinating day at the New York State Museum with Elliott & Schlemowitz, renowned magic lanternists! Experience history brought to life with their performances using original late-Victorian and Edwardian era magic lantern glass slides and projectors. Discover the captivating charm of this 17th-century invention, which transformed storytelling into an enlivened visual experience. Performances will take place several times during the day, with shorter demonstrations in between.

Children’s slide sets will include “The Educated Cats” and “The Precocious Pigs,” as well as “Belle Belton and her “Bicycle Adventure,” animated moving slides showing circus performers, astronomy lessons, and comic visual gags. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to see the artistry of magic lantern projections and learn about its rich history.