Believe it or not, Mammoths and Mastodons appear at the Ontario Science Centre!

The place of wonder and discovery for the entire family
kicks off 2016 with new exhibitions and programs

TORONTO, Dec. 23, 2015 /CNW/ - Come face to face with a mastodon, see the Earth from space, or enjoy all the fun of a circus at the Ontario Science Centre in 2016.

Mammoths and Mastodons: Titans of the Ice Age (February 10 – April 24)
Learn how scientific analyses of tusks, skin and hair provide clues to how these magnificent creatures lived and why they disappeared. Exhibition partners McMaster University and Ontario Genomics will showcase DNA research being done in Ontario that holds the key to the mammoths' extinction and to the future.

The Science of Ripley's Believe It or Not! ^® (opens in May)
This exciting exhibition will stretch visitor understanding of what's possible by showcasing the science that underlies Robert Ripley's legendary compendium of oddities, anomalies and fantastic feats.

A Beautiful Planet (premieres in Spring 2016)
The next best thing to going to the Space Station. See the Earth from space on the big screen with A Beautiful Planet, an IMAX^® and Disney space documentary that provides a unique perspective of Earth. Made in cooperation with NASA, this film features stunning footage captured by astronauts aboard the International Space Station.

An Evening with Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson (February 24 and 25 at the Sony Centre)
Travel to the nucleus of an atom and the farthest reaches of the universe with Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson. The Ontario Science Centre and Innovation Arts Entertainment present the astrophysicist, cosmologist, author, radio personality, television host and science advocate for an (inter)stellar evening of straight-up science talk at the Sony Centre on February 24 and 25.

Circus! The Exhibition (opens January 23)
The Circus is coming to town! Clown around while learning about physics, biology, psychology, and physiology with Circus! Featuring more than 20 interactive exhibits, Circus! explores the science behind circus acts and performances. Designed and built in-house by Ontario Science Centre staff, Circus! The Exhibition has travelled the world and sets up its Big Top at the Science Centre in January.

Wild Weather (opens Fall 2016)
Discover the science of extreme weather events and their global impacts with this exhibition that puts visitors in the eye of the storm.

"The Centre's ongoing revitalization offers guests more reasons than ever before to visit," said
CEO Dr. Maurice Bitran. "From creative new exhibitions, programs and films that foster science literacy to hands-on learning that complements students' formal science education and discussions with leading scientists from Canada and around the world – there is something for everyone."

About the Ontario Science Centre
The Ontario Science Centre has welcomed more than 50 million visitors since it opened in 1969 pioneering an interactive approach now adopted by science centres around the world. The Science Centre is an international leader in free-choice science learning and a key player in Ontario's innovation ecosystem, offering lifelong learning through hands-on, engaging experiences. The Ontario Science Centre is an agency of the Government of Ontario funded in part by the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. As a publicly assisted organization, the Science Centre relies on generous individuals, corporations and foundations who share a commitment to science and education for additional operating support. For more information about the Ontario Science Centre, please visit www.OntarioScienceCentre.ca.

For images and video, please visit: www.ontariosciencecentre.ca/Media/ImagesVideo

SOURCE Ontario Science Centre

Media contacts: Anna Relyea, Director, Strategic Communications, 416-696-3273 | c: 416-668-1967, [email protected]; Jefferson Darrell, Media Relations Officer, 416-696-3154, [email protected]; Andrea Mus, Media Relations Officer, 416-696-3191 | c: 416-895-5482, [email protected]