Ontario Science Centre presents enhanced Sultans of Science: 1000 Years of Knowledge Rediscovered exhibition

A four-metre replica of al-Jazari's Musical Boat, featuring a mechanical 'robot band,' sets sail for the first time in North America

TORONTO, March 7, 2014 /CNW/ - Step back in time and celebrate important scientific and technological advancements and discoveries made by scholars during the Golden Age of Islamic Science. The Ontario Science Centre presents an enhanced version of the popular Sultans of Science: 1000 Years of Knowledge Rediscovered¸ which is sure to fascinate visitors, from March 7 to June 7, 2014.

"By presenting Sultans of Science: 1000 Years of Science Rediscovered, an enhanced version of the exhibition we hosted in 2009, we are continuing to ensure our appeal to visitors of all ages and cultures," said Lesley Lewis, CEO, Ontario Science Centre.  "The knowledge displayed in this exhibition is important to everyone in our diverse society. It provides a glimpse into the history of science in part of the world that our visitors may not be aware was home to great scientific discoveries. The scientists and innovators the exhibition celebrates can be powerful motivators for students, regardless of their cultural background."

Developed by Cape Town- and Dubai-based MTE Studios, this informative and interactive exhibition, featuring functional large-scale models, interactive maps, puzzles and videos, demonstrates how a great civilization created prosperity across large areas of the known world - from Spain to China. This exhibition simultaneously highlights important scientific and technological advances made during the Golden Age of Islamic Science and the multicultural roots of modern science and technology.

"Appreciating the efforts and contributions of the past will lead us to a more prosperous future, said Ludo Verheyen, CEO, MTE Studios. "We hope that the exhibition encourages fruitful conversation, emphasizes the importance of preserving and transmitting knowledge and fosters further study of the mysteries of science."

Al-Jazari's Musical Boat, a new component in this exhibition, is an excellent example of this preservation and transmission. This four-metre replica, featuring musicians and crew members that move gracefully, was beautifully constructed by MTE Studios to show early robotics and the ingenious mechanical devices of the time.

"We are so pleased to help bring this exhibition to Toronto," said Imtiaz Seyid, RBC Royal Bank Vice President, South Asian & Middle Eastern Market. "It's a unique opportunity to explore and celebrate the diversity that makes our city so great."

The exhibition centres around nine themes: flight; medical inventions; Islamic astronomy; mathematics, art and architecture; optical science; fine technology; applied hydrology; great explorers; and The House of Wisdom.

For information about tickets, visit www.OntarioScienceCentre.ca.

Local Presenting Sponsor: RBC Royal Bank

Local Exhibition Patron:  MOHAMMAD AND NAJLA AL ZAIBAK

Community Partners: Canadian Arab Institute, Noor Cultural Centre

About the Ontario Science Centre
The Ontario Science Centre delights, informs and challenges the communities we serve, enriching people's lives and understanding through engagement with science of local, national and global relevance. Since 1969, the Ontario Science Centre has welcomed more than 48 million visitors, with an interactive approach that was the model for Science Centres around the world. It is the public centre for innovative thinking and provocative dialogue in science and technology, aiming to inspire a lifelong journey of curiosity, discovery and action to create a better future for the planet. The Ontario Science Centre is an agency of the Government of Ontario. Please visit us at OntarioScienceCentre.ca.

About Sultans of Science
Sultans of Science is a global touring exhibition celebrating the contribution of Muslim Scholars in Science and Technology during the Golden Age of the Islamic World and the influence their inventions and contributions has towards modern society. Focused on increasing knowledge and understanding of these invaluable contributions, Sultans of Science has been created as a global traveling exhibition in order to enable its message to be far reaching through science centres and museums globally. The content features interactive displays with information on inventions, innovations and discoveries covering a broad spectrum of science topics such as astronomy, mathematics, medicine, optics amongst others, which were ahead of its time. The Sultans of Science exhibition has been hosted by venues in North America, Asia, Africa and Europe.

About MTE Studios
MTE Studios is a specialized consultancy firm focused on themed architecture and interactive learning experiences. The firm designs, prototypes and manufactures inspiring interactive exhibits for science centres, museums, shopping malls and corporate environments. MTE Studios currently manages and operates the Bahrain Science Centre and has highly interactive travelling exhibitions and activity zones hosted by science centres and museums around the world. With offices in Bahrain, Dubai, UAE and Cape Town, South Africa, MTE Studios has an interdisciplinary team of specialists. Visit www.mtestudios.com for more information.

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

Social Media Links
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/OntarioScienceCentre
Twitter: @OntScienceCtr | #SultansofScience
YouTube: www.YouTube.com/user/OntarioScienceCentre

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
[email protected]