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Lightning Cage.

Lightning Cage: Spark Museum of Electrical Invention

Field review by the editors.

Bellingham, Washington

This museum once called itself the American Museum of Radio and Electricity, and was known for its historical exhibits, including a replica of the doomed radio room from the Titanic and one of the world's oldest light bulbs, personally made by Thomas Edison. It still has these relics, and many more, but in 2012 it rebranded itself with a new name and a new star attraction: the Lightning Cage.

For a modest donation, visitors 18 and older can sit inside a screened metal ball designed by Steampunk artist Rik Allen while a nearby Tesla Coil bombards them with man-made lightning bolts.

The Coil itself was built for Cirque du Soleil as part of an act by celebrity magician Criss Angel, who wanted to be wrapped in lightning while wearing a chain mail suit. But Angel got shocked during a rehearsal, he refused to do the stunt, and Cirque du Soleil eventually ended up shipping the Coil to the Museum.

Despite all the new gee-wizardry, the museum still regards its humble Edison bulb as is its most treasured artifact, even though it is burned out.

Also see: Tesla, Everyone's Favorite Mad Scientist

Lightning Cage: Spark Museum of Electrical Invention

Spark Museum of Electrical Invention

Address:
1312 Bay St., Bellingham, WA
Directions:
In the Old Town district, at the three-way corner of Bay, Holly, and Prospect Sts.
Hours:
W-Su 11-5; Lightning Cage shows Sa-Su 2:30 (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Phone:
360-738-3886
Admission:
Adults $6; show additional $5.00
RA Rates:
Major Fun
Save to My Sights

Nearby Offbeat Places

Buck Rogers/Flash Gordon RocketBuck Rogers/Flash Gordon Rocket, Bellingham, WA - < 1 mi.
Full-Size Dutch WindmillFull-Size Dutch Windmill, Lynden, WA - 13 mi.
Driftwood Menagerie of Joe TreatDriftwood Menagerie of Joe Treat, Bow, WA - 14 mi.
In the region:
Children's Church - Ark-Shaped, Burlington, WA - 21 mi.

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