From Area 51 to Men in Black, the fascination with the possibility of extraterrestrial life has been present for centuries. Myrtle Beach will now get the chance to explore this history with the debut of Encounters: UFO Experience.

This exhibition will feature more than 200 articles, models and documented recordings and film clips that support claims of encounters from ancient times to modern day.

With seven galleries, Encounters will showcase such topics as the military’s role in modern sightings and the history of encounters. Interactive aspects include a chance for visitors to experience an alien abduction created based on reports from abductees.

A space travel gallery hosts the history and achievements of space programs. The pop culture gallery includes replicas from Hollywood productions like Close Encounters of the Third Kind.

Myrtle Beach was not chosen to premier Encounters solely because of its 14 million tourists each year. The Grand Strand has been home to many UFO sightings, including in August 2012 when hundreds of people witnessed something spooky in the skies. 59 sightings were reported in 2012 alone.

Encounters is family-friendly and headquartered at Broadway at the Beach. The building should be easily spotted—it’s the one with the flying saucer bursting from its side. The exhibit is slated to open on April 4 with abbreviated hours, and then expanded hours during the summer.

Myrtle Beach is ready. Take us to your leader. Visit www.ufoexhibition.com for more information.
—J.F.