Listening
Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
- enigma / əˈnɪg mə / (n.) – something that is mysterious or difficult to understand
Example:No matter how hard he tried, Danny couldn’t solve the enigmas behind the magician’s tricks.
- ebb and flow / ɛb ænd floʊ / (idiom) – to change regularly or frequently
Example:The value of the company’s stocks ebbs and flows as investors react to the latest news and reports.
- immersive / ɪˈmɜr sɪv / (adj.) – describing something that completely surrounds or makes someone feel like he/she is a part of it, such as an experience or environment
Example:I tried the new immersive video game and it felt like I was really inside a different world.
- on top of (something) / ɒn tɒp ʌv / (idiom) – in addition to something else
Example:Chris doesn’t have enough time to be with his family because he manages a small business on top of his full-time job.
- pop up / pɒp ʌp / (phrasal v.) – to appear suddenly or unexpectedly
Example:New coffee shops are popping up all over the city as more people enjoy specialty drinks.
Article
Read the text below.
Art gallery, science exhibition, and 21st-century funhouse, Paradox Museum Miami takes guests on a tour through optical illusions and other enigmas geared for the age of Instagram.
The 11,000 square-foot (1,000 square-meter) museum, housed in Miami’s trendy Wynwood arts and entertainment district, features more than 70 exhibits that challenge the imagination, executive director Samantha Impellizeri said.
“It ebbs and flows between periods of highly tactile and interactive exhibit pieces and fully immersive photo opportunities where you yourself become the paradox and walk away with some really fun and unique social media content,” Impellizeri said.
Paradox Museum has more than a dozen locations throughout North America, Europe and Asia.
“Each paradox is uniquely tied to its community,” Impellizeri said. “So as you walk throughout the experience, you’ll notice different themes and art installations that directly reflect not only Miami but the Wynwood community specifically.”
Many of the exhibits at Paradox Museum harken back to old carnival funhouses, like the mirror maze, the spinning tunnel and the upside-down room. The difference is that Paradox Museum explains the math and science behind each illusion.
“We’re a top field trip destination for pre-K all the way up through college students,” Impellizeri said. “We have a full curriculum of educational activities to do before, during and after the visit to expand upon that educational scope.”
Like any museum, Paradox Museum plans to update its exhibits to keep visitors coming back.
“We’re not going to be the same space in a year to three years from now,” Impellizeri said. “We’ll be engaging with new technology and layering additional discoveries on top of it.”
Paradox Museum is part of a large trend of immersive art experiences opening all over the world this past decade.
“Immersive experiences around the world are increasing in popularity and popping up more and more,” Impellizeri said. ”And it’s exciting to see that this trend of interactive and immersive experiences taking off that allows guests to become part of the art, part of the installation itself.”
This article was provided by The Associated Press.
Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
- Paradox Museum Miami features an art and science exhibition designed for the age of Instagram and photography. In your opinion, should museums encourage photography, or should visitors focus on experiencing the exhibits without their phones? Why do you say so? Do you think you would enjoy visiting the Paradox Museum? Why or why not? Discuss.
- Does focusing on social media appeal help museums or make them less about learning and art? Why do you say so? Do you think museums should focus more on education or entertainment? Why? Discuss.
Discussion B
- It’s a trend for museums to allow guests to become part of the art or the installation itself. Why do you think interactive museums are popping up recently? Do you think visitors should be able to interact with exhibits, or should they only observe? Why do you say so? Discuss.
- Do you think an interactive museum is a better educational destination than a traditional one? Why or why not? Do you think children learn better through hands-on experiences or by observing, reading, and listening? Why do you say so? Discuss.
