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The Flint Cultural Center invites you on a journey of discovery
and imagination to a place where you can experience entertainment,
embrace knowledge, and dream beyond the world that is known. As
home to a group of nationally-recognized cultural institutions
aimed at furthering the arts, sciences and humanities, the Flint
Cultural Center offers a truly unique educational and entertainment
resource. Through live performances, unique exhibits, classes
and more, the Flint Cultural Center brings it ALL within your
reach! Institutions on the Flint Cultural Center campus include
Sloan Museum & Research Center, Longway Planetarium, The Whiting,
Flint Youth Theatre, Flint Institute of Arts and Flint Institute
of Music.
CLOSED
EASTER SUNDAY, MEMORIAL DAY, FOURTH OF JULY, LABOR DAY, THANKSGIVING,
CHRISTMAS EVE AND CHRISTMAS DAY, NEW YEAR'S EVE AND NEW YEAR'S
DAY.
"SLOAN
MUSEUM"
And
"BUICK GALLERY AND RESEARCH CENTER"
WHERE HISTORY
AND SCIENCE COME ALIVE!
The Alfred P. Sloan Museum invites
all to explore history, science, culture, technology and the world around us like never before! From
fur trading and pioneer life, to lumbering, carriage making, and
the automobile boom of General Motors, the museum brings history,
culture, and technology to life. Journey
through the past and enjoy exciting hands-on activities and one-of-a-kind
experiences full of family fun! Enjoy award-winning traveling
exhibits, informative state-of-the-art displays and diverse educational
activities all year round.
(810) 237-3450 ..... SloanMuseum.org
Sloan Museum's Buick Gallery
and Research Center features over 25 classic and concept Buicks,
Chevrolets, and other locally built automobiles. Featured vehicles
on exhibit are the 1910 Buick Bug race car, 1951 Buick XP-300
and 1954 Buick Wildcat II concept cars, and a Hellcat Tank Destroyer
built by Buick during World War II. Adjacent to the Buick Gallery
is the museum's Perry Archives. The Archives houses a wide array
of photographs, records, and objects chronicling the people and
history of Flint and Genesee County, Michigan.
(810) 237-3439
SLOAN
MUSEUM PRESENTS
EXCITING
EXHIBITS YOU WON'T WANT TO MISS!
FOR THE KIDS!!
"It's a Nano World"
(Included in Package Price)
Now through July 21, 2009
Designed for 5 to 8 year olds and their families, this interactive hands-on exhibit at Sloan's "Discovery Center" introduces children to the biological wonders of the nano world that's too small to see with just your eyes. The exhibit focuses on the "adventures" of very tiny things and using the tools scientists use to see them.
FOR THE ADULTS!!
"Pierson
Doll Collection: Portraits in Miniature"
(Included in Package Price)
Ongoing until May, 2010
After 17 years in storage, the Pierson
Doll Collection is available at the Sloan Museum. Come see over
100 historical figures in their historical settings, the First
Ladies as well as the Japanese Dolls that inspired Carol Pierson
who had a mission - using dolls to teach history and traditions.
Throughout her life, Carol Pierson collected many dolls in her
travels and in 1966 she donated the figures to the Sloan Museum.
They were on continuous exhibit until 1991, when it became clear
that the effects of light, heat and dust were damaging them. The
people and events depicted by the figures are Carol Pierson's
very personal view of important events in world and American history.
"All American Classic Cars"
(Included in Package Price)
Now through September 6, 2009

This indoor car show exhibit is packed full of time-honored vehicles. Duesenburg, Packard, Cord, Classics as defined by the Classic Car Club of America. Legendary as defined by car buffs and history! Don't miss this once in a lifetime opportunity to experience these cars all under one roof. Representing the best of the 20's, 30's and 40's, this assemblage of classic automobiles define wealth and luxury during a period not always associated with such extravagances. This extraordinarily unique event combines rare automobiles on loan from some of the country's most avid collectors, as well as art and fashion from the same era to complement and add context to this wonderful exhibit.
"Sirens of Chrome"
(Included in Package Price)
Now through November 15, 2009

Take a visual joyride through auto show history. The focus isn't simply sheet metal; it's on the distinctly human presence. These human hood ornaments are descendents of the Sirens of ancient Greek lore. They seek not to dash ships upon rocks but to entice the purchase of land-worthy ships to sail upon the highways and byways of America. Enjoy dozens of photographs, programs and posters culled from the libraries, corporate files and auto enthusiast portfolios, capturing decades of hot vehicles and torrid models. Discover whose "body" inspired the Rolls-Royce hood ornament or sit in a "rumble seat" with 1930s silver-screen goddess Joan Blondell. Gawk at over-the-top opulence of the Somali leopard pelt-upholstered 1957 Cadillac Debutante, sing along with Dinah Shore while you "See the U.S.A. in Your Chevrolet" or shake your head in wonder at the fur bikini-clad model atop a soviet-built Lada.
"Building America's Canals"
(Included in Package Price)
Coming October 2009 to January 2010

Erie Canal is an exciting educational exhibit displaying how locks work. This is a nuts-and-bolts affair that presents families with some of the same enjineering challenges the nation's founders faced during America's westward expansion. Visitors can construct and operate miniature cranes, locks and aqueducts, and even analyze the costs of various canal systems.
"Predators"
(Included in Package Price)
Coming January 16 to May 9, 2010

Predators is an engaging, yet educational, hands-on exhibit offering insight into the lives of some of the most dangerous animals on land, sea and in the sky. Particpants will be challenged through a variety of interactive exhibits to synthesize their learning by comparing and contrasting animals.
"Flint
and the American Dream"
(Included in Package Price)
Ongoing Exhibit
Flint's dramatic history as the birthplace of General Motors
comes to life at the Alfred P. Sloan Museum. Flint and the American
Dream takes visitors on a fascinating journey through Flint in
the 20th century - from the birth of the auto industry to the
present. Here visitors encounter the ups and downs of General
Motors, the birht of the UAW, Flint's role as the "Arsenal
of Democracy" and what life was like during the 50s, 60s
and 70s. The gallery is packed with over 600 artifacts and photographs,
including rare antique automobiles, colorful neon signs, period
clothing, household furnishings and commercial goods.
"Leaders of the Pack"
(Included in Package Price)
Now through October 5, 2009
Sloan's Buick Automotive Gallery

Power and design advances have repeatedly boosted Buick to the status of "Leader of the Pack." Each adaption used in these high performance cars brought admiration to the company as it reached new milestones in racing. From the early days of automotive racing to today, many changes in technology used in racing have eventually been added to production vehicles. Four Buick pace cars, including the famous 1976 Indy pace car, and an assortment of engine displays as well as other race cars from the museum collection are available to the public.
SPECIAL
EVENTS, ACTIVITIES
AND/OR WORKSHOPS
CAR
SHOWS
"Sloan Summer
Auto Fair"
(Not Included in Package Price)
Annual Two-Day Event Happening in June
(June 27 & 28, 2009)
Time - TBA
This event is a fun-filled two-day show with plenty of music,
entertainment, vendors and of course, automobiles! The Flint Cultural
Center campus becomes home to more than 600 of the best looking
cars, trucks and motorcycles around. The event kicks off Friday
evening with an at-will cruise from the Flushing A&W restaurant.
Then on Saturday and Sunday, enjoy lectures, Feature Cars, exhibits,
planetarium shows, kids activities, music and much much more!
"Fall Color Tour"
(Not Included in Package Price)
Annual One-Day Event Happening in September
Time - TBA
Join in for a leisurely trip along the rural roads of beatiful Mid-Michigan and enjoy an unhurried drive through the spectacular autumn beauty of Michigan. Check out the splendid small towns, quaint villages and proud farms of our region. This wonderful ride is open to anyone with an antique, classic, or special interest automobile that wishes to join the fun. The tour is an 80-mile, single day event, beginning at the Sloan Museum and winds and turns on all paved roads.
"Golden
Memories Car Show"
(Not Included in Package Price)
Annual One-Day Event Happening in September
(September 20, 2009)
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
A very special event exclusively for original or authentically restored vehicles produced in 1959 or earlier. Visit the Flint Cultural Center Campus for a day of authentic
antique automobiles that date back to 1955 and earlier. All authentic/original
motorized vehicles at 50 years old are eligible to enter.
ABOUT
SLOAN MUSEUM
HISTORY
Travel
back in time to when Flint was a center for fur trade and lumbering.
Stand beside an 1880's
Flint-built carriage and catch a glimpse of how the transportation
boom of the 19th century turned Flint into the "Vehicle City."
Experience Flint's dramatic history as the birthplace of General
Motors during the 20th century and celebrate its strong traditions
of manufacturing, craftsmanship, service, labor and management.
Discover how the automotive industry brought people from various
cultures to Flint and see how its history has evolved as illustrated
by rare automobiles, period clothing, commercial goods, household
furnishings and more! Enjoy hands-on activities that show what
life was like in the early days of this mid-michigan town.
DISCOVERY
CENTER
How
many bones are in the human body? How long will a top spin? Discovesr
science and history fun as you experiment with gravity, magnetism,
weights and more balances, motion and more! Build a bridge and
test its strength. Learn about sound vibrations. Experience the
joys of discovery, building and creativity in these playful hands-on
learning environments that provide informal experiences in history,
science and technology.
TECHNOLOGY
Can
you imagine life without an electric hair dryer, television or
even an automobile? Technology has revolutionized almost every
aspect of our daily lives! Explore how innovative inventions and
household gadgets like the electric oven and radio have changed
our lives. Try your hand at a 1911 engine crank and experience
the changing techology of the automotive industry. Discover how
technological advancements in the automotive world continue today
with a look at automotive racing in "Designed for Speed."
CULTURE
Sit
down for a "tea party" amongst the fancy furnishings
in a 19th Century Victorian Parlor. Put on your poodle skirts
and roll up your sleeves for a snack in a 1950's style Halfway
Cafe. Experience the many culture changes that have evolved in
Flint as this farm town grew into an automotive boom town. Journey
through the 20th century and discover how fashion, housing, vacationing
and more have changed with the times.
GIFT
SHOP
The
Sloan Museum Store is filled with unique souvenirs, Michigan and
Flint memorabilia, children's toys, educational activities and
automotive collectibles for purchase.
HOURS
Weekdays from 10:00
a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Weekends from 12 noon to 5:00 p.m.
CLOSED EASTER SUNDAY, MEMORIAL DAY, FOURTH OF JULY, LABOR DAY,
THANKSGIVING, CHRISTMAS EVE AND CHRISTMAS DAY, NEW YEAR'S EVE AND NEW YEAR'S DAY.
"LONGWAY
PLANETARIUM"
Explore
the wonders of outer space and experience scientific discovery
at Michigan's largest planetarium. Longway's Sky Theater is equipped
with the latest Digistar II technology, producing amazing three-dimensional
star fields and astounding special effects. Travel
through the solar system or to the edge of a black hole during
Sky Theater planetarium shows; or Dazzle
your senses with all-new laser shows. Hands-on family science
activities and special exhibits are also presented throughout
the year.
Longway Planetarium is more than just a place to learn about the
night sky. It's truly a unique blending of science, art, technology
and fun into an experience for the whole family.
Discover what makes Longway Planetarium so much more than just
a planetarium!
(810) 237-3400 ..... Longway.org
MATINEE
SKY/LASER SHOWS
(Included,
unless otherwise stated, when optional Longway Planetarium tickets
are bought during the purchase of a Sloan Museum and Longway Planetarium
Family FunPak and/or any other Flint Cultural Center "Overnight
Pure FunPak" that offers the below shows.)
"Our Place In Space"
(Not Included in Package Price)
Saturday and Sunday
Through June, 2009
12:30 p.m & 3:30 p.m.
Recommended for families with children 4 to 9 years of age
Help a macaw named Scarlet solve a crossword puzzle about where we live in space. Exploration starts on Earth (day/night), and goes through the Solar System and beyond.
"Two Pieces of Glass"
(Not Included in Package Price)
Saturday and Sunday
Through June, 2009
2:00 p.m
Recommended for adults and children 10 years of age and older
Along the way, students learn how telescopes work, the history of telescopes and major discoveries made by these instruments. Explore the wonder and discovery made by astronomers throughout the last 400 years.
EVENING
STAR/LASER ODYSSEY SHOWS
(Evening
Laser shows available, unless otherwise stated, through Longway
Planetaruim's Evening Laser Show FunPak and/or any other Flint
Cultural Center "Overnight Pure FunPak" that offers
the below laser shows. Admission price included in package price
when purchased.)
TBA - Will Return in October, 2009
(Not Included in Package Price Unless Stated)
LONGWAY
SPECIAL EVENTS
TBA - Coming Soon
(Not Included in Package Price Unless Stated) (No
icWORKSHOPS/CLASSES
TBA - Coming Soon
(Not Included in Package Price Unless Stated) (N
"THE
FLINT INSTITUTE OF ARTS"
One of Michigan's largest and most enduring fine arts museums,
the Flint Institute of Arts just finished renovations and expansions
and reopened in September, 2005. An award-winning museum, the
Flint Institute of Arts houses the largest private collection
in Michigan, with objects representing a diversity of cultures
- from ancient Rome and Asia, to contemporary America and Europe.
The Flint Institute of Arts also hosts the finest touring exhibits
and offers art classes for students of all ages. Visitors can
enjoy the Art-A-La-Carte film and lecture series, the Sunday Bray
Gallery concerts, and the Friends of Modern Art film series offered
at various times throughout the year.
(ALL GALLERIES ARE CLOSED ON MONDAY) Visitors
can also enjoy browsing and shopping at FIA's Museum Shop featuring
jewelry, toys, books and other merchandise inspired by exhibitions
and the FIA's permanent collection. Or, take a break at the FIA
Cafe, serving Starbucks coffee. The Museum Shop and Cafe are open
Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 10
a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
(810) 234-1695 ..... FlintArts.org
EXCITING
EXHIBITS OF THE ARTS!
"Sabina Klein: Cityscapes"
(Included in Package Price)
Now through July 12, 2009
Ford Graphics Gallery

This exhibition presents a selection of Sabina Klein's large-scale prints and drawings of urban architecture. Klein's tightly cropped images explore the dizzying perspectives of New York City's steel and glass canyons. Devoid of a human presence, these moody cityscapes emphasize the skyscrapers' monumental scale, brilliant glass facades and jarring contrasts of light and shadow.
"DALE
CHIHULY: Seaforms"
(Included in Package Price)
Now through September 8, 2009
Temporary Exhibition Gallery

Dale Chihuly: Seaforms features 39 artworks from the internationally acclaimed artist's Seaform series. The exhibition features both fully executed blown glass pieces, as well as preparatory works on paper and will showcase the development of the Seaform series including early works, when Chihuly began the series in 1980, through the present.
Inspired by the sea, Chihuly's abstract compositions of colorful organic forms are comprised of large shapes often containing a number of smaller blown-glass vessels and bowl forms - a characteristic Chihuly has used in several different series throughout his career. Whether regarding his small-scale blown glass works, large-scale sculpture or site-specific installations, Chihuly creates a sense of wonder and excitement that has captured the world's attention.
"Blown Away: International Glass of the 21st Century"
(Included in Package Price)
Now through September 8, 2009
Hodge Gallery

Forty of the most accomplished and well-known glass artists from around the world are included in this major exhibition with works that have pushed the art of glassmaking to new levels. The exhibition will explore the medium of glass and how it is used today by leading glass artists with over 12 different techniques and processes including cast, blown, fused, lampworked and many others to create an amazing array of artworks showing the significant contributions these artists have made to contemporary glassmaking. Among the artists represented in the exhibition are William Morris, Howard Ben Tre, Dale Chihuly, Harvey Littleton, Stanislav Libensky, Miriam DiFiore and others from 14 countries in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia.
"German Sculptures on the Grounds of the FIA"
(Included in Package Price)
Active summer and fall months, 2009
The Flint Institute of Arts is pleased to announce the installation of six large outdoor sculptures. These sculptures can be viewed from Kearsley Street and surround the grounds of the FIA. They range in size from thirteen feet tall to nineteen feet wide. The sculpturs are the individual creations of six established German sculptors - Klaus Albert, Klaus Duschat, Rolf Nolden, Jan Meyer-Rogge, Markus Schaller and Hartmut Stielow.
SPECIAL
EVENTS, LECTURES, AND/OR FAMILY ACTIVITIES
"The
Annual Flint Art Fair"
(NOT Included in Package Price)
Second Weekend in June.
Become one of the many thousands of people each year who look
forward to the second weekend in June for one of the premier events
Flint has to offer, the Flint Art Fair. Ranked in the top 80 of
art fairs nationally, according to Sunshine Artist Magazine, the
Flint Art Fair has been a summer destination for over 20,000 art
fair lovers throughout Michigan and Canada for the past 37 years.
From sculpture, ceramics, and glass art, to paintings, photography,
textiles, fine jewelry, and wood creations, the fair showcases
distinctive, hand-made treasures for collectors of all types.
Listen to local music by some of the areas best
musicians, stop by the concessions tent and enjoy a soda or bratwurst,
and for those 21 years of age or older, quench your thirst with
an "adult" beverage at the Sidewalk Cafe. Friday from
6 p.m. to 10 p.m., enjoy a FREE evening of Pre-Fair music. (The
grounds to the Art Fair will not be open Friday evening.)
"2nd
Annual Beer Tasting"
(NOT Included in Package Price)
First Weekend in October
Time TBA
Enjoy beer, brats and bands to celebrate Oktoberfest with
the FIA!
"3rd
Annual First Frost Art & Fine Crafts Fair"
(NOT Included in Package Price)
November, 2009
Time TBA
This fine arts festival is sure to impress the most discriminating
shopper. Artists are hand selected for quality and uniqueness
of merchandise including items made from glass, wood, metal, clay
and more. Gift-wrapping, light fare and other holiday items offered.
EDUCATIONAL
PROGRAMS
TBA
THE
FLINT INSTITUTE OF ARTS' THEATER FILMS
(Theater Films are NOT Included in Package
Price)
The Flint Institute of Arts' Theater
presents quality avant-grade, independent, and international films
that otherwise would not be seen in the Flint area. Films are
screened every weekend in the beautifully renovated FIA auditiorium,
in the comfort of plush theater-style seating and a state-of-the-art
sound system. Please visit flintarts.org for a listing of shows.
"Art
a la Carte"
(The Art a la Carte Series is Free of
Charge and is included in Package Price)
Wednesdays at 12:15 p.m
Isabel Hall at FIA.
Art a la Carte is a series of informative
programs focusing on the arts. Visitors are encourged to bring
lunch. Coffee, tea and cookies are provided. For a listing of
videos, please visit flintarts.org
"THE
WHITING"
The
Whiting has been widely praised as one of the most beautiful concert
halls in the nation, a recent 7 million dollar renovation has
further enhanced its elegant style and comfort. The best and brightest
stars illuminate the stage of this 2,100 seat theater from classical
music, theater, and dance to big-name Broadway shows and legendary
entertainers. The Whiting is also home to the Flint Symphony Orchestra,
Flint Youth Theatre's Once Upon A Time Series and the Cultural
Center's Showcase Series, featuring outstanding artists and professional
Touring groups from around the world.
(810) 237-7333 ..... TheWhiting.com
(Look for upcoming discount
packages to The Whiting shows in the fall and winter of 2009/2010)
THE CULTURAL CENTERS SHOWCASE
SERIES, 2009-2010
October 16, MotorCity Women & Detroit Express @ 8 p.m. (At UM-Flint Theatre)
October 29, The Country Rat Pack @ 8 p.m.
November 6, The Kevin Locke Native Dance Ensemble @ 8 p.m.
December 13, ANNIE Burst: Back by Popular Demand @ 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.
January 7, Moscow Festival Ballet: Sleeping Beauty @ 7 p.m.
January 15, Cedric Watson & Bijou Creole @ 8 p.m. (At UM-Flint Theatre)
January 30, Sinbad @ 8 p.m.
February 2 & 3, Cirque Dreams Illumintation @ 7 p.m.
February 13, Gilbert and Sullivan: The Mikado @ 8 p.m.
February 26, Sol Y Canto Sabor Y Memoria @ 8 p.m.
(A Musical Feast in Seven Courses)
February 27, Disney's Beauty and the Beast @ 3 p.m. & 8 p.m.
February 28, Disney's Beauty and the Beast @ 2 p.m.
March 4, Hairspray @ 7:30 p.m.
March 18, Danu' @ 7:30 p.m.
March 27, An Evening with Kenny Wayne Shepherd @ 8 p.m.
April 10, Hal Holbrook in Mark Twain Tonight @ 8 p.m.
April 23, Project @ 8 p.m. (At UM-Flint Theatre)
April 25, Avenue Q @ 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.
April 27, The Secret Life of Bees @ 7 p.m.
May 1, The Secret Life of Bees @ 8 p.m.
July 17, Midwest Dance Summer Intensive Showcase @ 2 p.m. & 6:30 p.m.

Patrons, regardless of age, must have a ticket.
Whiting encourages NOT to bring newborns, infants or babies to
the theater and ask that you consider others when deciding to
bring small children to the theatre. Please take into account
age recommendations when available. Children who cause disruptions
or who are unable to sit quietly throughout a performance may
be asked to leave with a guardian. No refunds will be given.
Directions
to the Flint Cultural Center