Wayne State's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences lights up Noel Night with science and culture

 Old Main on Noel Night - Photo by Matthew Garin

Wayne State University's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) is proud to announce its participation in the 49th annual Noel Night, Saturday, Dec. 2, transforming Midtown Detroit and the Cultural Center district into a festive celebration of diverse holiday traditions.

The annual community-wide open house features free activities and performances across multiple cultural venues. The event brings the community together to celebrate the festive season amid the rich cultural tapestry of the city.

Be sure to check out these exciting additions to the Noel Night line up. All are located in Wayne State's iconic Old Main building. 

CLAS Noel Night highlights

WSU Planetarium presents stellar shows

Join the Wayne State Planetarium for an astronomical journey with four different family-friendly shows, science demonstrations and hands-on crafts. The free 50-minute shows featuring full-dome films and live star talks will be offered from 6 to 9 p.m.  

  • 6  and 7 p.m.: "Polaris, the Space Submarine and the Mystery of the Polar Night"
  • 8 and 9 p.m.: "Big Astronomy: People + Places + Discoveries"

Free tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 5 p.m. Due to high demand, secure your tickets early and return later for the show.

Additional programming from the Department of Physics and Astronomy

  • Enjoy science demonstrations on the half-hour by the Student Physics Society.
  • Engage in a "Make Your Own Constellation" activity throughout the night.
  • Weather permitting, telescopes may be set up just outside the planetarium for a stellar observation experience.

Take a deep dive into anthropology at the Gordon L. Grosscup Museum

Visit Wayne State's Gordon L. Grosscup Museum of Anthropology to explore the current exhibit, "Exiled to Motown: A History of Japanese Americans in Metro Detroit."

Special activities from the Department of Anthropology include

The Great Lakes Taiko Drummers will perform on the lawn of Old Main.

Experience the rhythmic beats of the Great Lakes Taiko Drummers on the front lawn of Old Main. Their performance starts at 5:30 p.m.

Engage in paper crane-making and origami lessons all night, just outside the gallery.

Explore rare gems and minerals at Wayne State's Lowrie Geology Mineral Museum

Featuring eons of geological history, Detroit's only geology and mineral museum will be open to the public on Noel Night. 

Learn more about Noel Night and see a full list of participating venues.

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