Massachusetts Institute of Technology / MIT Museum
Building N51 265 Massachusetts Avenue Cambridge, MA 02139
Open Daily 10am – 5pm / Closed Major Holidays

The MIT Museum is closed on Monday, May 27 for Memorial Day.

Friday After Thanksgiving: Chain Reaction

What is the Friday After Thanksgiving? A grand event that could only happen at MIT! Participants link their mini chain reactions together forming one mega chain reaction – set off at the end as the event's thrilling culmination.

1,500 people from all over watch and participate in this fun-for-all-ages "extreme" event.

Join the online F.A.T. community!

Making a chain reaction allows people to explore their own creativity, and see how their unique contraptions relate to a larger whole. No matter how different the chain reactions, inevitably, with a little string and duct tape, they all work together beautifully.

How does it work?

The MIT Museum's F.A.T. Chain Reaction event allows people to join the fun as spectators or as participants. Participants can register to bring their own contraptions. Artist and inventor Arthur Ganson, renowned chain reaction creator, is on hand to help with connections and play master of ceremonies for the action.

Can anybody do it?

Of course! Participants range from Girl Scout troops to artists and engineers, from MIT clubs to high schools and family teams. Teams have come from as far away as Michigan and California!

How to get involved:

Join the online F.A.T. community for event updates, communication, and idea-sharing. Later in the year, you can register to build a link in the chain reaction (opens in early fall) or just plan on attending as a spectator. Interested individuals and participating teams, can also read the construction guidelines and join us for building/inspiration sessions on Thursday, April 17, 2013 (10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.) and Friday, October 18, 2013 (5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.) to start planning your machine!

New to F.A.T.?
Learn more about the event, or watch videos from previous years:
2006 Chain Reaction | 2007 Chain Reaction | 2008 Chain Reaction
2009 Chain Reaction | 2010 Chain Reaction | 2011 Chain Reaction
2012 Chain Reaction

MIT Museum Home Programs Friday After Thanksgiving

F.A.T. Chain Reaction
November 29, 2013
1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Rockwell Cage Gym
Spectators: $15 for adults or $12.50 in advance,
$5 for children ages 5-17, students, seniors and MIT ID-holders.
Free for children under 5.
Spectator fee includes free same-day admission to the MIT Museum, open until 6:00 p.m.

About our Host:
Self-described as a cross between a mechanical engineer and a choreographer, Arthur Ganson creates contraptions composed of a range of materials from delicate wire to welded steel and concrete. Arthur's much loved sculptures have long been exhibited at the MIT Museum.