May 21 - September 11, 2022

About the Exhibit

Rube Goldberg's cartoons and zany contraptions come to life through 3D, life-size machines and hands-on, interactive components which invite visitors to investigate classic engineering principles in a humorous way.

Exhibit highlights

• 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.

Rube Goldberg, The World of Hilarious Invention Exhibit!

Rube Goldberg, a Pulitzer Prize cartoonist and inventor, is best remembered for his zany contraptions, known as Rube Goldberg Machines. These inventions perform a simple task in the most overcomplicated, inefficient and hilarious way possible. This exhibit brings Rube's cartoons and zany contraptions to life through 3D, life-size machines and hands-on, interactive components. It invites visitors to investigate classic engineering principles in a humorous way.

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.