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First-time guests can’t help but drop their jaws as they enter our Welcome Center. It’s pretty common for members who visit again and again (and again). If we’re honest, our staff does it, too. There’s just something extra-special about the first face that greets you as you walk into The Children’s Museum.
Maybe it’s because he’s a giant that weighs around a ton.
Or it might be because he’s 17 feet tall, towering over anyone and everyone who comes through our doors.
It could be his metallic yellow skin that glistens in the sunlight.
Or maybe it’s just because Bumblebee is the coolest Autobot around and it’s pretty awe-inspiring just to stand next to him.
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Who is Bumblebee?
Bumblebee was introduced to American audiences in 1984 through the Transformers comic books, animated television series, and toy line. He was the smallest of the Generation 1 Transformers who hid in plain sight as a Volkswagen Beetle. He may have been the smallest Autobot, but he had a mighty big heart and was generally considered the bravest of them all.
When the robots in disguise finally returned to the big screen more than 20 years after the release of the animated feature film The Transformers: The Movie in 1986, it was no surprise that this much-beloved character would be given a major role in the 2007 film Transformers. While he kept his yellow metallic skin, he was given a slick new look, transforming into a Chevy Camaro instead of a VW Beetle.
In a world where computer generated imagery—also known as CGI—bear much of the special effects responsibility, it might surprise you that a life-sized version of Bumblebee was created just for this film. At director Michael Bay’s request, Paramount Studios commissioned the creation of Bumblebee.With 300 fiberglass parts cast from 200 custom molds, it took three sculptors and four mold makers to make Bumblebee’s fiberglass parts. It took an additional three sculptors to build his frame. In just three months’ time, the talented people at FXperts, Inc. took an idea and created a superstar.
The Bumblebee you meet in the Welcome Center is the actual movie prop appearing in many of the most-important scenes in the ‘07 Transformers film—including when Sam and Mikaela are first introduced to the Autobots.
Bumblebee’s ‘new’ home
In March 2011 Bumblebee made his way from Hollywood and took up residence in Indianapolis. It was no small feat helping him get settled in.
Bumblebee quickly became a crowd-favorite. If you’ve ever met him, you understand why. Much like Bucky the Teenage Tyrannosaurus rex, the Carousel, and the Water Clock, Bumblebee is an icon that has become quickly associated with The Children’s Museum. He’s considered one of the best photo ops at the museum. He’s also made his way into museum advertisements over the years and sometimes he even gets into the spirit of the season.
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In March 2015, Bumblebee welcomed his Autobot pals and Decpticon foes to the museum for a stay in our temporary exhibit—Transformers: Robots in Disguise™. They were able to celebrate the franchise's 30th anniversary together before the exhibit completed its run in July 2015.
Bumblebee builds bridges
One of the things we love doing at The Children’s Museum is building bridges across generations and fostering shared family memories. From the moment you step foot into the Welcome Center, you know that this is a place that everyone will enjoy. Parents and grandparents stand in front of Bumblebee and share their memories about the brave little transforming VW Beetle who captured youg hearts across the nation. Children today talk about the Bumblebee they’ve seen in the Transformers film franchise, animated series, and toys. There’s a connection between generations thanks to Bumblebee.
Bumblebee ignites a spark
Just standing next to this giant robot ignites a spark of creativity—one that will be fueled throughout the rest of their day in our five floors of fun and outdoor sports wonderland.
When we welcomed Bumblebee to his new home back in 2011, we had one small request for the new guardian of the museum:
“The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis welcomes you, Bumblebee. We ask that you please play nicely with the dinosaurs.”
Can you imagine the epic wrestling matches Bumblebee might have with Seymour and Riad, the Brachiosaur sculptures that are climbing into the Welcome Center when the museum is closed?
Or what about Bumblebee vs. Bucky the T. rex in an epic duel of Rock, Paper, Scissors?
Do you think he plays hopscotch with Dracorex hogwartsia?
Or maybe Bumblebee poses for a selfie with one of our sauropod specimens inside Dinosphere®.
Does he challenge our Bambiraptor to a classic video game in Carousel Wishes and Dreams?
The possibilities are endless!
Of course, these things never happen. But you can use your creativity and imagine such things. Right? The next time you visit the museum, ask a child what they think Bumblebee does when he thinks no one is around. You might be inspired by the amount of creativity that pours out of them.
Bumblebee sets the tone.
And it’s magical.
Your support matters!
The Children’s Museum is an amazing place that sparks curiosity, fuels imagination, and inspires discovery. Your donation—no matter the siaze—helps ensure the museum will continue to transform lives for generations to come.
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