Visit Science World’s newest exhibitions: James Cameron

Major new exhibition James Cameron – CHALLENGING THE DEEP opens in Vancouver

Be immersed in a deep-sea environment and see the innovative technologies that have
driven the creative passions of legendary filmmaker and explorer James Cameron

On June 23rd, the major immersive exhibition James Cameron – CHALLENGING THE DEEP, supported by Coca-Cola Canada, opens at Science World. The exhibition explores film-maker James Cameron’s extensive career as a deep-sea explorer and his many history-making expeditions.

Developed by the Australian National Maritime Museum, James Cameron – CHALLENGING THE DEEP takes visitors to the depths of our oceans through the lens of Cameron’s underwater cameras and his other incredible technological innovations that have enabled us to see the least known places on earth.

Cameron has had a lifelong fascination with the deep oceans. He has led eight major deep-sea expeditions and many submersible dives, setting world firsts including the first solo dive to the Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench, the first exploration of the interior of the wreck of RMS Titanic, and the first seafloor-to-surface live broadcast.

Cameron’s expeditions, in collaboration with oceanographic and scientific institutions, have documented the shipwreck of RMS Titanic, explored deep ocean phenomena such as black smoker hydrothermal vents and discovered new species from the lowest point on earth. They have been chronicled in his documentaries and now, for the first time, in a major exhibition James Cameron – CHALLENGING THE DEEP.

Entering the exhibition through a recreation of a MIR submersible, visitors encounter a single immersive environment of cinema presentations, rare artefacts and specimens from Cameron’s careers as an explorer and filmmaker.

The exhibition includes the technical innovations Cameron developed to make the pioneering underwater feature film The Abyss in 1988, including the unique diving helmet he wore during the shoot alongside the original maquettes of the Pseudopod and the alien Manta Ship from this classic science-fiction feature film.

Visitors watch as Cameron explores the wreck of RMS Titanic on three expeditions and can see models, hand props and costumes from his blockbuster film Titanic. Highlights include the costumes from the film, the iconic “Heart of the Ocean” necklace and Jack’s sketches which were drawn by James Cameron himself.

Visitors vicariously accompany young scientists on some of their 43 dives with Cameron on his Aliens of the Deep Expedition to examine thriving deep ocean life, spectacular volcanic vents and geology that unlocks the potential secrets of life on other planets.

Finally, voyage with Cameron to the deepest known point of the earth’s surface on his historic solo dive over 10,000 metres down to the Challenger Deep of the Mariana Trench in the revolutionary DEEPSEA CHALLENGER submersible Cameron designed and built in secret in Sydney and California.

The exhibition includes artefacts from the design development of the vessel, specimens collected on its expeditions, and the Explorers Club flag which he took with him on the history-making solo voyage to the deepest part of the ocean.

“People often don’t think of filmmaking as being part of science, technology, engineering, arts + design and math (STEAM) learning, but this exhibition highlights the impact these fields have on sharing stories,” said Kiki Kirkpatrick, Exhibition Curator at Science World. “You have all the elements of STEAM coming together in this exhibition to share important stories that humans are still unraveling – from uncovering deep-sea ecosystems to learning about the technologies that enable us to share new environments with the world.”

James Cameron – CHALLENGING THE DEEP will run from June 23, 2023 – January 1, 2024.

For further information or to book visit our website at scienceworld.ca. Tickets are available online and at the door.

James Cameron – CHALLENGING THE DEEP is a traveling exhibition produced by the Australian National Maritime Museum, in association with the Avatar Alliance Foundation, and is toured internationally by Flying Fish. A USA Programs exhibition supported by the USA Bicentennial Gift Fund.

About Science World
Science World is a BC-based charitable organization that engages the people of British Columbia in STEAM literacy. Their mission is to ignite wonder and empower dreams through science and nature. Their vision is that within a generation, Canada will be a country of thriving, sustainable communities rooted in science, innovation and a deep connection to nature.

Media release and image provided by Kat Aquino, The Tea Co.