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Icons of Science Fiction

What if? Two words that set the stage for an exhibition that explores the extraordinary ideas behind the genre’s most mind-bending creators.

  1. The Daleks, cyborgs bent on universal domination, were introduced in December 1963 in the second Doctor Who serial. Created by writer Terry Nation, they were conceived as a race of faceless, authoritarian figures dedicated to conquest and conformity. They featured in many serials until1988, as well as in two 1960s motion pictures, Doctor Who and the Daleks, and Daleks - Invasion Earth 2150 AD, where they continued to employ their famous catchphrase, “Exterminate!”

    Pictured: Dalek from 1988 episode of “Remembrance of the Daleks."

    Photo by Erik Skaar.

  2. Pictured: Icons of Science Fiction.

    Photo by EMP staff.

  3. Pictured: Command Chair from Star Trek: The Original Series.

    Photo by Erik Skaar.

  4. Pictured: Science Fiction Hall of Fame.

    Photo by EMP staff.

  5. Pictured: T-800 skull used in Terminator 2: Judgement Day, 1991.

    Photo by EMP staff.

  6. Pictured: Icons of Science Fiction.

    Photo by EMP staff.

  7. Pictured: Icons of Science Fiction.

    Photo by EMP staff.

Featuring iconic artifacts from sci-fi literature, film, television, and art, including an Imperial Dalek from Doctor Who, the command chair from the classic television series Star Trek, and Neo’s coat from The Matrix Reloaded.

Sample diverse forms of science fiction, learn about the pervasiveness of the genre in popular culture, and connect science fiction’s big ideas to the artists, writers, and filmmakers who spawned them with six unique sectors that highlight the work of EMP’s Science Fiction Hall of Fame inductees. Drawing on questions that propel the plots in science fiction media such as, “What if we fought a war with Aliens?” “What if we could explore the stars?” or “What if we were enslaved by our machines?” Icons of Science Fiction allows visitors to traverse the creative spirit of sci-fi innovators, while simultaneously reveling in the physical artifacts inspired by their distinct visions. See video game art, pull on a second persona with antennas, ray gun, and cape from the compositing special effects installation, and see the flying saucers and light sabers that have come to form the basis of our collective consciousness.

Each of the featured questions in Icons of Science Fiction highlights two works of literature that explore the question, and are among the most important and enjoyable works in the field.

What if we could explore the stars?

What if we were enslaved by our machines?

What if we fought a war with aliens?

What if I had superpowers?

What if we could design our children?

What if I were the chosen one?

Science Fiction Hall of Fame

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