The Discovery Museum in Reno adds exhibits on early motion picture techniques

A praxinoscope (an 1870s-era animation device) and a zoetrope (a device producing the illusion of motion from rapid succession of static pictures) are two new exhibits at the Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum in Reno.

The Discovery Museum, geared to children age 15 and younger, has added those exhibits, as well as a free-standing zoetrope more than six feet in diameter, to its Da Vinci’s Corner gallery.

“The Discovery’s Da Vinci’s Corner gallery focuses on the intersection of art and science,” Will Durham, exhibits manager, said in a press release. “One of Da Vinci’s early works was the projector, or ‘magic lantern,’ so these early movie making devices feel right at home amongst the other exhibits in this hands-on gallery.”

The new exhibits were designed and built on-site in the museum’s workshop by museum staff and volunteers, according to the press release.

The Discovery opened in September 2011. It features eight galleries, including Cloud Climber, a three-story climbing structure that helps children learn about the water cycle. The Discovery is at 490 S. Center St. in Reno. It’s open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and from  noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $8, free for children younger than 1. Details: 775-786-1000.