Visitors to the St. Louis Science Center should be warned that real pirates will be invading the “Real Pirates” exhibit on Saturday July 31 and Saturday August 21.

The flesh and blood pirates are family-friendly actors from the St. Louis Pirate Festival. They will bring to life an exhibit about the adventures of the real pirate ship Whydah and its crew. The pirates will perform skits, do a few sword fights and sing for the audience. Visitors to the exhibit can also get a free photo taken with a pirate.

The pirates will be performing from noon to 4pm on two Saturdays only, July 31 and August 21. There is no extra charge to see the “Real Pirates” exhibit at the Science Center on these two dates.

The story behind the “Real Pirates” exhibit is that of the doomed Whydah and its crew. The Whydah is the first fully authenticated pirate ship to be discovered in U.S. waters. The exhibit has been put together by National Geographic and is full of stunning displays—many of which were salvaged from the sunken remains of the Whydah. Cannons, pistols…and real pirate treasure!

The exhibit tells the story of the Whydah and highlights members of the crew: Captain Black Bellamy, Hendrick Quintor (a free black man), John Julian (a 16 year old Miskito Indian and the Whydah’s pilot) and young John King. John King, about 11 years old, the youngest known pirate of the Golden Age, ran away from his mother to live with the pirates in 1716.

The story of the Whydah is told through interactive displays, museum pieces and a stunning life-sized replica of the Whydah herself. The exhibit is family friendly, but parents should be warned that it is not geared for very young pirate fans. There’s a lot of history to sift through and much of the displays are set up as museum pieces, not Magic House exhibits. But if you come on July 31 and August 21, the pirate actors are sure to bring fun and adventure for kids.

Ticket Prices:
Member Adult $8; Member Child (4-12) / Senior (62+) $6
Non-Member Adult $16; Non-Member Child (4-12) $12
Non-Member Senior $15
College Student with ID $13.50
Children age 3 and under are FREE
Discounts available for groups of 10 or more.

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