Mathematica

From astrophysics to chemistry, computer science to biology, math informs and illuminates the world around us. It should come as no surprise that Mathematica has been one of the Museum of Science’s most enduring and beloved exhibits. Mathematica: A World of Numbers … And Beyond was created by Ray and Charles Eames as a part of IBM’s Corporate Exhibition Program in 1961. It was designed to explain fundamental concepts with simple, visual methods; using models and illustrations to present complex math subjects. The Eameses were a powerhouse husband-and-wife industrial design team known for a wide range of creations that included children’s toys, architecture, and furniture, such as the iconic Eames Lounge Chair. They also produced a number of educational films (Powers of Ten) and exhibits on a variety of topics including but not limited to design (What Is Design?, 1969), computer science (A Computer Perspective, 1971), and history (Nehru: His Life and His India, 1965).

Mathematica proved to be their longest running exhibit, reaching far beyond the bounds of its first home in Los Angeles. The original copy was housed at the California Science Center where it stayed until 1998. A second copy of the exhibit was built for the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry, where it was on view from 1961 to 1980 before coming to the Museum of Science in 1981. A third copy built for the 1964/1965 New York World’s Fair has been moved from various locations in New York, to the Pacific Science Center in Seattle, WA, to SciTrek in Atlanta, GA, and as of 2015 resides at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, MI.

The Museum of Science tried to initiate talks with the Eames Office as early as 1973, with the goal of acquiring a few components of Mathematica, though nothing came to fruition until IBM agreed to move the second copy of the exhibit from Chicago to the Museum of Science in 1981. IBM extended the loan on a yearly basis from 1981 until 1994 when they ended their Corporate Exhibit Program, effectively eliminating the funds required for the annual maintenance of the exhibit. In the interest of preserving the exhibit and avoid moving it to a new location, IBM gifted Mathematica to the Museum of Science in 1995. Although IBM transferred ownership of the physical exhibit, the creative content still belonged to the Eames estate, which maintains copyright and must approve any changes or usage of the Mathematica content.

When it opened at the Museum of Science in Boston on November 18, 1981, Mathematica: A World of Numbers…And Beyond consisted of six interactive machines, a 13-foot long display case housing more than a dozen models, a 50-foot long “history wall” documenting the development of mathematics, two “image walls” showing the relationship between mathematics and natural and man-made objects, and two text displays with mathematical humor, legends, problems, and solutions. This innovative approach to demonstrating concepts encapsulated the designers’ efforts to make complex concepts more accessible:

“We hope that this exhibition will do much to broaden the image of mathematics in the mind of the uninitiated. There is more to mathematics than the complicated manipulation of numbers. There is excitement, adventure, and suspense. In fact, mathematics is perhaps the world’s greatest “who done-it.” Fortunately, many of the clues can be enjoyed without being a detective.” – Charles Eames

The Mathematica exhibit provides a unique challenge for Museum staff as it is both a historic artifact as well as an exhibit which should be kept up to date. Collections staff must prioritize the maintenance of original components, design, and appearance, while exhibit designers and educators must manage the content of the exhibit and keep it up to date. Certain interactive components have been changed or removed due to their fragile condition, such as the “Multiplication Cube” which was removed after 2006. Since the 1990s, the Museum of Science has worked with the Eames estate to update the history timeline, which did not feature any women and only a few non-European mathematicians. The Museum has attempted to remedy this by adding a small section of 20^th century Mathematicians in order to include more women and people of color, and provide a more comprehensive representation of the mathematical community. There have also been some minor changes to remove or update sexist language and imagery. The Museum makes adjustments in order to serve today’s visitors, while still acknowledging the history and development of the exhibit.

Breakthroughs in previously unproven mathematical concepts also contributed to the need for adjustments. The section on Fermat’s “Last Theorem” required an update when Andrew Wiles published his solution to the nearly 300-year-old problem in 1995. Museum educators pay close attention to developments in mathematical fields in case further adjustments are needed.

The Mathematica exhibit represents the work of innovative designers and educators, and continues to be a beloved exhibit of the Museum. Staff from many teams and disciplines collaborate to keep this exhibit up to date and in good condition, preserving its methods and goals while keeping it relevant to today’s visitors.

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