Discovery World at Pier Wisconsin

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Les Paul House of Sound-
Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is Discovery World?

Discovery World is a 120,000 sq. ft. Science and Technology Museum located on Milwaukee´s lakefront. The facility opened in September 2006 and is quickly becoming one of the preeminent experiential learning centers in the United States. The Museum features interactive exhibits that showcase innovation and technology for visitors of all ages. The exhibits range from fresh and saltwater aquariums to total immersion virtual reality experiences to interactive flight and driving simulators. Discovery World also features audio and television studios and a comprehensive education program for young people starting in grade school all the way up through post-secondary students and lifelong learners.

While housed in a new location, Discovery World is celebrating its 25th anniversary year in 2008. Annual attendance at the new facility is expected to be between 400,000 to 500,000 visitors.

The facility is located in the heart of Milwaukee´s cultural corridor, sandwiched between the Milwaukee Art Museum, with its recent expansion designed by world-renowned architect Santiago Calatrava and the Summerfest grounds, which host the world´s largest free music festival every year for 12 days in late June and early July.

 

What is “Les Paul’s House of Sound?”

Les Paul´s House of Sound is an exhibit designed around the innovative and creative spirit of Wisconsin native Les Paul. Les Paul grew up in Waukesha and though, he left at age 13 to embark on an eight decade entertainment, music and technology career that took him to Chicago, Hollywood and New York, he never forgot his hometown. His career included numerous top ten hits like Vaya Con Dios, How High the Moon, Tennessee Waltz, Mockingbird Hill and many others. Les Paul and his wife Mary Ford had their own five minute television show, sponsored by Listerine, for more than five years in the 1950s, and Les´ radio shows were widely listened to in the same era. Throughout and after his own successful recording career, Les produced and played with countless others on their hits, including the Andrews Sisters and Bing Crosby.

The title for the Discovery World Exhibit comes from a conversation Les had with Bing Crosby 60 years ago about the totally different sound the Les was able to produce with his guitar and his recording technique. The exhibit features innovations and creations from Les´ personal collection (record cutting lathe, multi-track recording equipment, sound layering devices) and guitars from Les Paul´s personal collection. Guitars in the collection from Les Paul include the Clunker, used to produce several of Les´ greatest hits; an original 1929 Gibson L-5; an early two-necked guitar used only once on stage by Les in the 1950s; and Les Paul #1, the first Gibson Les Paul produced (and modified by Les).

The exhibit lays out Les´ life from his humble beginnings in Waukesha, Wisconsin through to the present day, including recreations of Les´ Los Angeles “Garage,” where he helped usher in a new era in music and sound in the 1940s and 1950s. The exhibit includes a Les Paul timeline with opportunities for guests to leave their own comments and notes about their “Les Paul moments.” The House of Sound also features 21st Century technology in sound that, while not invented by Les, captures his spirit of innovation and has its roots and inspiration in his creative spirit.

In addition, the exhibit will use the Discovery World audio and video studios to provide guests with an opportunity to “play” a virtual jam session with Les or receive a guitar lesson from him.

The exhibit also includes a “Friends of Les Paul” section with historic guitars and items from other notable musicians and institutions. Contributors to this one-of-a-kind exhibit include Les Paul, Gibson Guitars, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, John Sheily, CEO of Briggs & Stratton (and a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Board Member), Cheap Trick guitarist and world-renowned guitar collector Rick Neilson and caricature artist Phillip Burke. Other “friends of Les” are expected to loan items throughout the run of the exhibit.

 

How long will the exhibit run?

Les Paul´s House of Sound will run at least from June 2008 through December 31, 2008. The exhibit can be extended by mutual agreement between Les Paul and Discovery World. Les Paul deserves a permanent home in the Milwaukee area, and it is hoped that this limited term exhibit will serve as a catalyst to establish that permanent home.

This is not a traveling exhibit and will not be moving on in its current form once the run at Discovery World is complete. This specific collection and showcase is a unique project for a unique individual.

 

What is the admission cost for the exhibit?

Les Paul´s House of Sound is included with the regular admission price to Discovery World, which is $16.95 for adults and $12.95 for children. Discovery World members can view the exhibit for free. Guests can enjoy a “green screen” experience with Les and take home a DVD of their experience for an additional charge.