Spiders: Fear & Fascination

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#ROMSPIDERS

June 16, 2018 to January 6, 2019

Level B2, Garfield Weston Exhibition Hall

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Ignite your curiosity. Conquer your fears. Get up close and personal with one of the world’s most misunderstood creatures.

About

Spiders are one of the most remarkable animals on the planet! They spin webs, dance, swim, and even grow back lost limbs. Entangle yourself in the world of spiders when you come face-to-face with nearly 400 amazing live and preserved arachnids in Spiders: Fear & Fascination.

Experience a web of hands-on interactives, incredible augmented reality, challenge a peacock spider to a dance-off, explore a recreated spider cave, and more! Get up close to the world of arachnids like never before with the ROM Spider Lab. See daily live specimen demonstrations - including venom milking - from our team of expert Spider Wranglers.

Descriptive Audio Tour

Highlights

Biggest & Baddest

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The world’s heaviest and the most venomous arachnids are now on display. See the newly added goliath birdeater and Brazilian wandering spider and discover the spectacular extremes of this fascinating animal.

Science & Nature

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What came first, the spider or the dinosaur? Are spiders insects? What’s stronger, steel or spider silk? Discover the answers to these questions and many more. Find out why spiders should be admired, not feared, and what makes them one of the world’s greatest creatures—and a vital part of our ecosystem.

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Gold Cape - Golden orbweaver spider silk cape, hand-woven with embroidered and appliquéd motifs. Madagascar. Designed and created by Simon Peers and Nicholas Godley (2011). Cape and image: © Simon Peers and Nicholas Godley.

See the Gold Cape; the world’s largest and most elaborate piece of cloth made entirely of spider silk. Discover more about how this amazing piece was created in the exhibition.

Cultural Impact

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From one of the largest movie and comic book franchises to cultural myths, stories, and traditions around the globe, and even some of the most stunning fashion designs the world has seen, spiders are a major cultural influence in our lives. Spiders explores the impact arachnids have on human creativity.

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