‘Minecraft at the Museum’ offered at Quincy Museum on Saturday

QUINCY — The Quincy Museum will be site of “Minecraft at the Museum” from 1 to 3:15 p.m. on Friday, April 5, to celebrate the release of “A Minecraft Movie.” This event will bring the world of Minecraft to life, offering a multi-disciplinary educational experience for museum guests.

“Most people don’t realize Minecraft is based on the natural sciences, so we’re bringing the game to life in Quincy’s only natural history museum. It’s the first time anything like this has been tried in Quincy,” Emily Pursley, executive director of the Quincy Museum, said in a press release. “We’re bridging the digital divide, teaching young people the real-world applications of their beloved video game.”

The event features educational stations based around activities and concepts players use in the game, showing how the game’s mechanics reflect genuine scientific and artistic principles. One station includes an archaeologist discussing excavation, a blacksmith demonstrating toolmaking and a farmer exploring sustainable agriculture. Other stations include art, electrical engineering, geology, the environment and fabric and textiles.

Patrons will receive free raffle tickets, swag bags and an opportunity to use the complimentary Minecraft-themed photobooth. The swag bag will include information regarding the careers they learned about and their economic impact.

The Quincy Museum is partnering with VIP Quincy 3 to offer reciprocal discounts for both moviegoers and museum patrons. If museum patrons bring their museum receipt to VIP Quincy 3, moviegoers will receive discounted $6 movie tickets from Friday to Sunday for “A Minecraft Movie.” If moviegoers bring their “A Minecraft Movie” ticket stub to the Quincy Museum, museum patrons will receive a discount for “Minecraft at the Museum.”

“Minecraft at the Museum” event tickets are $8 each and are on sale at www.thequincymuseum.org. The event is limited to 150 guests.

Culver-Stockton College, Western Illinois University, Mill Creek Farm, Gem City Rock Club, Bowen Forge, Historical Society of Quincy and Adams County and Evan Hirstius are the event’s educational partners.

The museum opens for the season April 9 and will be open Wednesdays through Sundays from 1 to 4:30 p.m.