“Hunger Games: The Exhibition” Comes To Times Square

The world of Panem may be closer to our own than we realize.

That’s one of the guiding ideas behind Discovery Times Square’s newest exhibit, “The Hunger Games: The Exhibition,” which opens July 1.

Visitors move chronologically through the Hunger Games story, starting all the way in District 12. Props from the movies have been removed from storage and arranged true to the films–even vignettes that display authentic costumes are surrounded by real set pieces, down to each knickknack (points for finding the picture of Katniss’s father!). The lighting too, is consistent with the films. In some spots, the overhead lighting is actually comprised of lights from the film’s training room or Plutarch’s office. Standout pieces include Cinna’s sketchbook, a knot-tying station, and the Gamemaker’s table.

After a brief film welcomes you to the exhibit, you become immersed in the trilogy-long evolution of Katniss, and the symbol she comes to stand for: The Mockingjay. You can walk through a recreation of the Capitol train or make your own propaganda film by splicing together video clips and a photo of yourself.

For a more immersive experience, you can also download a mobile guide that uses Beacon technology–your phone will ping when you walk by a informational hot spot–and learn Panem facts from a Panem historian, or your kids can download the exhibition’s passport app to collect stamps, learn,  play games, and discover secrets–like a secondary view of the Gamemaker’s table–within several areas.

Extensive research went into preparing the exhibition for film and book fans alike, but in addition to being very true to the world created by Hunger Games author Suzanne Collins, the exhibit also reflects the books’ consideration of larger ethical questions through interactive activities, such as one where kids can vote on strategies for approaching a morally challenging situation (taken from the series) and then see how their decisions stack up against others’ choices.

Another exciting interactive component is the stunt choreography lesson, which both demonstrates how stunts were completed in the movie and also teaches you some moves of your own, using movement sensors to make sure you’re fighting along right. Also notable is the ending green screen experience, in which you and your family can take Jennifer Lawrence or Josh Hutcherson’s place on the blazing chariot ride entrance in the Quarter Quell.

Super-fans will appreciate the detail in the special clues and references are hidden throughout the exhibit, which provide hints toward the upcoming and final film of the franchise: “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay– Part 2.” Around the time of the movie’s November 20 release, new props from the final film will be added to the exhibition.

While the exhibit is certainly engaging and enjoyable, like in the Hunger Games books and films the Mockingjay’s growth over the course of the exhibit begs the question: How much power does one person have in changing the world?

Toward the end of the exhibition, several of Jennifer Lawrence’s most iconic costumes stand side by side, the Mockingjay pin is displayed in a case between them. As the experience draws to a close, the story–not yet resolved on the silver screen–takes you as far as you can go into Panem, a world which you’re reminded is not so far from our own.

To learn more about the Hunger Games Exhibit, open through January 3, 2016, visit thehungergamesexhibition.com!