Museums & Science Centers
Physics You Can
Watch and Wonder
Rolling ball sculptures turn abstract physics into visible, memorable experiences. They draw crowds, spark questions, and leave visitors with a deeper appreciation for how the world works.
Why Visitors Love These Exhibits
There is something universal about watching a marble travel through a sculpture. Children press their faces to the glass. Adults pause mid-conversation. Groups gather and point out details to each other.
This kind of engagement is exactly what museums strive for. A rolling ball sculpture does not require instructions or interpretation. It captures attention immediately and holds it through natural curiosity. The physics lesson happens almost by accident—visitors are too busy being fascinated to realize they are learning.
That is the power of kinetic art in educational spaces.
Learning Through Observation
Every sculpture demonstrates fundamental scientific principles in ways that stick with visitors long after they leave.
Gravity & Acceleration
Marbles speed up as they descend, slow on climbs, and reach maximum velocity at the lowest points. Visitors see these physics principles in action.
Momentum & Energy Transfer
Watch kinetic energy convert to potential energy and back again. Collisions and transfers demonstrate conservation laws without equations.
Simple Machines
Ramps, levers, spirals, and lifting mechanisms showcase the building blocks of mechanical engineering.
Cause and Effect
Every action triggers a reaction. Visitors learn to trace the chain of events from marble launch to final destination.
Pattern Recognition
Multiple track paths create predictable yet varied sequences. Young minds naturally begin to identify and anticipate patterns.
Engineering Problem-Solving
How do you get a marble from here to there? The sculpture demonstrates that there are many creative solutions to any challenge.
A Legacy of Public Wonder
George Rhoads pioneered the art of large-scale rolling ball sculptures in public spaces. His work appears in airports, museums, and science centers worldwide—including the famous 42nd Street Ballroom at New York's Port Authority Bus Terminal. Jon continues this tradition, creating custom pieces that bring the same sense of wonder to new audiences.
Large Motorized Exhibition Piece
Continuous operation with multiple track paths for sustained visitor engagement
Engineered for Museum Environments
Durability First
Museums need exhibits that can run continuously during operating hours, day after day. Jon builds with this reality in mind, using quality motors, precision bearings, and materials that hold up under constant use.
Easy Maintenance
Clear documentation and training for your facilities team means routine care stays in-house. For anything beyond the basics, Jon provides ongoing support.
Safety Considered
Designs account for curious hands. Enclosures, mounting heights, and component placement all consider the reality of public exhibition spaces.
Flexible Sizing
From tabletop demonstration units to multi-story installations, each sculpture is designed to fit its specific location and intended impact.
Ideal Venues
Bring Physics to Life at Your Institution
Whether you are planning a new exhibit, refreshing a gallery, or looking for a signature piece for your lobby, Jon would be glad to discuss how a rolling ball sculpture can serve your educational mission.