Created by the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh in partnership with the Heirs of Rube Goldberg, Rube Goldberg™: The World of Hilarious Invention! Exhibit will be on view at the Maltz Museum (2929 Richmond Rd, Beachwood; maltzmuseum.org). Showcasing Pulitzer Prize winning humorist and inventor Rube Goldberg’s iconic contraptions and celebrates his humorous storytelling and inventive cartoons, the summer exhibit has delighted audiences since opening in May. The exhibit is scheduled to close on August 27, 2023.
Inspired by Rube’s original illustrations, the exhibit contains a collection of new 3D, life-size machines and hands-on, interactive components that connect Rube’s iconic cartoon contraptions to the way things work in the physical world. These experiences provide insight into the legacy of Rube Goldberg and how classic engineering principles can be reimagined as entry points for deeper exploration of STEAM concepts for 21st century learning. Visitors can activate and create crazy chain-reaction contraptions that use everyday objects to complete simple tasks in the most overcomplicated, inefficient, and hilarious ways possible! Rube Goldberg machines are many things, but they aren’t perfect. Find the fun in failure stepping into the role of illustrator, storyteller, and inventor.
Exhibition highlights include:
- See a Rube-inspired way to paint a picture in the 3D version of Ed Steckley’ s “An Epic Way to Paint a Picture”®
- Move balls and ramps to trigger chain reaction machines in Wall Machines, then figure out how they work by resetting each part.
- Be inspired by Rube Goldberg’s drawing techniques to create your own hilarious cartoon in the Art Studio and then see how it looks at the Revolvometer.
- Pull ropes to start a series of musical chain reactions in the large-scale sound animation Music Machine.
- Step into one of Rube’s iconic wearables, “Self-Operating Napkin.”®, for a one-of-a-kind photo op.
Join the Maltz Museum for free and low-cost young family, adult, and senior focused programs now through the end of August! Registration is recommended for most programs to secure a spot. Visit www.maltzmuseum.org or call 216-593-0575 for more information.
STORYTIME STAY & PLAY
Every Thursday through Aug 24, 10:30 am
Free with Museum admission, registration requested.
Join us every Thursday this summer for story time at the Maltz Museum, then stay and explore Rube Goldberg: The World of Hilarious Invention! Exhibit. Each week, we’ll read stories about creativity, teamwork, and celebrating imagination with guests from local organizations.
BUILD YOUR OWN BOT WITH GREAT LAKES SCIENCE CENTER
AT THE MALTZ MUSEUM
Sunday, August 6, 1:30 pm
Free with Museum admission, registration requested.
Build your own Jumping Jitterbug “bot” while exploring how circuits and electricity work together. After the program, enjoy crafts and explore the exhibition, Rube Goldberg: The World of Hilarious Invention and interact with the special machines in the gallery and go home with the bot you built!
IN THE GALLERY WITH DR. SEAN MARTIN + SHOW & TELL WITH YOU!
Friday, August 11, 11:30 am
Free with Museum admission, registration requested.
Join Sean Martin, WRHS Associate Curator of Jewish History, to hear the story behind American Greetings cards in the Maltz Museum gallery. Then explore letters and cards from loved ones all over the world that you bring from home when audience members are invited to share their personal artifacts.
CREATIVE BRAIN & BODY BOOSTS
Friday, August 18, 11:00 am
Free with Museum admission, registration requested.
Join wellness expert Julie Konrad as she offers fun ways for seniors to keep their brains & bodies fit! Boost your overall wellness through fun and engaging talks, games and movement specifically designed to leave you feeling fresh, invigorated and full of vitality.
HISTORY & HERITAGE GALLERY TOUR
Sunday, August 27 at 1:00 pm
Free with Museum admission, registration requested.
Explore the Maltz Museum’s most popular objects and artifacts on an hour-long tour led by a knowledgeable docent who will guide you through our permanent collections, An American Story, and The Temple-Tifereth Israel Gallery. Approx. 60 minutes.
SPEAK WITH HISTORY: MEET OUR INTERACTIVE BIOGRAPHIES
Every Sunday at 2:00 pm
Free with Museum admission, 24-hour advance registration notice required to ensure availability.
Did you know the Maltz Museum is the first and only museum featuring an Interactive Biography of a Holocaust survivor and Civil Rights leader together in one place? Every Sunday you can speak with both Stanley Bernath, A.I. & Reverend Dr. Otis Moss Jr, A.I. right here in Cleveland! Through state-of-the-art technology, speak with those who lived through global and national history and ask questions about their lives, and they will answer in real-time. 24-hour advance registration is required.
Admission:
Rube Goldberg™: The World of Hilarious Invention! Exhibit is included with Maltz Museum admission: $12 adults, $10 seniors (60+) and students, $5 youth (5-11), and FREE for Maltz Museum Members and children under 5.
Exhibition & Museum Hours:
Tuesday – Sunday, 11 am -5 pm, Wednesday, 11 am – 9 pm. The Museum is closed Mondays and for most major holidays. Please check our website for a complete listing.
Museums for All:
We offer free general admission to individuals and families with a Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card or a Women, Infants, & Children (WIC) card. Visitors must present a valid form of photo ID. To claim free tickets, call 216-593-0575.
About the Maltz Museum
MALTZ MUSEUM is rooted in the Jewish value of respect for all humanity and explores diverse stories of courage from history and today so that there can be a more inclusive tomorrow. Generously supported by Cuyahoga Arts & Culture, the Jewish Federation of Cleveland, and Ohio Arts Council.
About Rube Goldberg, Inc.
Rube Goldberg, Inc. is dedicated to keeping laughter and invention alive through the legacy of its namesake. Annual competitions, image licensing, merchandising, and museum and entertainment opportunities continue to grow and enhance the brand. At the helm is Rube’s granddaughter, Jennifer George, whose best-selling book on her grandfather, The Art of Rube Goldberg, is now in its fourth printing. RGI is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 dedicated to promoting STEM & STEAM education for students of all ages.
About Rube Goldberg
Rube Goldberg (1883-1970) was a Pulitzer Prize winning cartoonist best known for his zany invention cartoons. He was born in San Francisco on the 4th of July, 1883 – and graduated from U. Cal Berkeley with a degree in engineering. His first job at the San Francisco Chronicle led to early success, but it wasn’t until he moved to NYC and began working for Hearst publications that he became a household name. Rube Goldberg is the only person ever to be listed in the Merriam Webster Dictionary as an adjective. It’s estimated that he did a staggering 50,000 cartoons in his lifetime.
Rube Goldberg™: The World of Hilarious Invention! Exhibit is locally sponsored* by The Irving and Gloria Fine Foundation, Maltz Family Foundation, Stephanie & Jared Miller Fund, PNC Bank, and The Trilling Family Charitable Gift Fund. * as of 4/4/23
