A Modern Look at Missing Links

Modern technology meets early man--and woman--in “Missing Links--Alive!” a sprawling exhibit of 32 robotic figures that move and talk, ancient artifacts and interactive teaching games that opens Wednesday at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry in Portland, Ore.

For its American debut, the exhibit, first shown in Germany in 1996, has added robots and artifacts, including the 26,000-year-old Venus of Vestonice (one of the earliest known artworks) from the Moravian Museum in the Czech Republic. The robots are of scientists, such as paleontologist Meave Leakey, discussing their work, and of early humans, such as Neanderthals, engaging in hunting and other activities.

The Oregon exhibit runs through Sept. 7, then moves to the Carnegie Museum of Natural History in Pittsburgh in October. Entrance to the Portland museum is $8.50 adults, $6 children ages 4 to 13 and seniors 63 and over. Starting Saturday, it is open 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day except Thursday, when it stays open to 8 p.m. Information: telephone (503) 797-4000.