The Liberty Science Center in Jersey City has reopened one of its most popular exhibits, The Touch Tunnel, promising new sensations for returning visitors and fun for first-timers.
"We replaced all of the exhibits and reopened in 2007, but many guests kept asking when we were bringing back the tunnel," said Mary Meluso, associate director of communications for the LSC. "We did actually have space for it so it was like the stars aligned and now it's back."
The Touch Tunnel was previewed last week by an excited crowd of LSC members who were invited to experience the exhibit before the rest of the public.
"I was scared at first, but then I started touching the walls to get out," said 6-year-old Ignacio Zavalia. "It's really dark, but I would do it again."
Not all of those to crawl through the new tunnel were children. Hoda Jamssidian felt her way through with her daughter Golnaz Moghaddasi, 10, and was surprised by the experience.
"Golnaz was moving so fast, I thought I was going in to help her, but it turned out to be the other way around," she said. "It was great to experience how people with no vision must feel."
The exhibit is now open to the public and features a pitch-black, crawl-through tunnel that can only be navigated by touch. However, there's a twist.
"The new tunnel consists of several modules that can be rearranged, promising a new experience with each visit," Meluso said.
The tunnel is equipped with infrared cameras that are monitored by the center's staff to ensure safety. However, children under the age of 7 are not permitted in the Touch Tunnel.
The new exhibit also features a variety of stations to teach visitors about their other senses, including one with salty, sweet, bitter and sour things to taste.
The Liberty Science Center is located at 222 Jersey City Blvd. in Liberty State Park, Jersey City.