Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention Temporary Exhibits

Ebb & Flow: Waves of Innovation- Theme opening May 9, 2024
This summer, join the Cade in a celebration of the little molecule that changed everything! From a refreshing beverage to a tidal wave, water holds the key to life itself. It can literally move mountains, save lives, and allow the tiniest seeds to grow into the mightiest rainforests. Sail the high seas to uncover ocean-saving inventions, explore water’s shape-shifting abilities, and get ready to dive into activities that will blow you out of the water!

During this theme, you can earn the following Inventivity Badges:
Fluid Dynamics – May 9 – June 16
State of Matter – June 20 – July 28
The Atmosphere – August 1 – September 15

Turning Tides: Save the Ocean Through Invention! Opening May 9, 2024
We’re staying green and going blue. The ocean blankets our planet, covering a staggering 70% of its surface. As humanity brainstorms ways to keep our home-sweet-home happy and healthy, visionaries are no longer looking to the stars, but to the sea for solutions. Embark on a journey through inventions that are fostering a planetary partnership towards a greener future and bluer planet.

Rube Goldberg™: The World of Hilarious Invention! Opening May 19, 2024
Created by the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh in partnership with the Heirs of Rube Goldberg, the exhibition showcases Pulitzer Prize winning humorist and inventor Rube Goldberg’s iconic contraptions and celebrates his humorous storytelling and inventive cartoons.

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 as you step into the role of illustrator, storyteller and inventor.