St Louis Science Center in Missouri, US, is teaming up with Boeing for a new interactive exhibition exploring the wonder of flight and innovation in aerospace, with the experience set to debut at the visitor attraction on 29 January.

Presented by Boeing to celebrate the aircraft manufacturer’s 100th anniversary this year, Above and Beyond is a travelling exhibition that will be showcased internationally over the course of the next five years.

Produced by Evergreen Exhibitions in collaboration with NASA and the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, Above and Beyond, which covers 5,000sq ft (464sq m), starts with an immersive wraparound theatre experience, opening up into five themed interactive galleries – Up, Faster, Farther, Higher and Smarter.



The exhibition will also tell the history of flight and aerospace, telling stories about the people behind the advances in flight.

A highlight of the exhibition is the Space Elevator – a simulated experience which allows visitors to see what it would be like to ride an elevator into space. Visitors will also be able to create and test their own jet fighter, which they can race in a virtual flying competition. Additionally, an interactive experience will recreate what it would be like to fly as a bird in a flock, with a group flying experience using motion capture technology to explore the forces of flight.

“Above and Beyond is designed to ignite a passion for humankind’s greatest adventure: our journey of flight in the air and space,” said a statement from Evergreen. “In doing so, it honours past world-changing innovations in flight, while looking ahead to what’s next and demonstrating the impact of aerospace breakthroughs in our everyday lives. The exhibition also serves to inspire children and young adults to imagine future careers in aerospace and support educators in building STEM awareness and skills among K-12 students. Above and Beyond creates an uplifting and memorable experience that encourages all visitors to aim high and push past the impossible limits in their lives.”

The exhibition premiered at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum and will now move to a new venue every three months, with the experience travelling to London’s National Maritime Museum in May, while other stops are planned in Seattle’s Museum of Flight, Charleston’s Gaillard Center and Space Center Houston, among others.