You might call it "Back to the Future, Springfield Museums Edition."

Starting March 22, the Springfield Museums will host a wide array of works that forge the old with the new in the upcoming "Steampunk Springfield: Re-Imagining an Industrial City." The three exhibits that make up the project will be launched with an opening soirée on March 21 and run through Sept. 28.

The term “Steampunk” was coined in the early 1980s. The term applies to an art and design subculture which combines elements of science fiction, history, fantasy and the Victorian era into a fanciful blend. The term originated to describe a fantasy world where steam-powered machines and industrial technology of the 19th century collide and blend with modern expression.

The March 21 soirée will feature include a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by guest curator Bruce Rosenbaum, as well as the unveiling of the three primary exhibits.

Walter Sickert and the Army of Broken Toys will provide the soirée's entertainment and should be a perfect match for the exhibit's funky aesthetics. The evening will also include hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar inside the George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum and dinner and dessert among the exhibits at the Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History. Gifts bags will be distributed to the first 100 guests.



Tickets for the soirée are $50 for Museum members and $60 for nonmembers. Advance reservations are required through www.springfieldmuseums.org or by phone at 413.263.6800, ext. 259.

As far as the Steampunk Springfield project itself, the exhibit will feature installations at two of the Springfield museums: the George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum and the Lyman & Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History.

The "Fifty Firsts: Springfield Inventions Reinvented" showcases the work of more than 30 artists in the Wood Museum. The artists took some of Springfield’s historic inventions and innovations and reimagined them using the Steampunk aesthetic. The exhibit includes stunning pieces by artists such as James Kitchen and Jack Kalian of Indian Orchard’s 42 Design Fab.

"Humachines" is one of two exhibits in the George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum. The theme creating superhero identities for authors and inventors of the Victorian era, who indeed, probably seemed superhuman in their own time. The merging of humans and machines in these cases involves matching the person with technology that pertained to his or her work. For example, H.G. Wells morphs into a time machine and Jules Verne transforms into a Nautilus submarine. The idea is for Humachines to time travel into the present to re-inspire Springfield towards a better future.

The second Smith Museum exhibit is "Brassy Bridal: Steampunk Wedding," which shines a spotlight Steampunk fashion that combines ornate Victorian style with modern Design elements. Bridal gowns, bridesmaid dresses, tuxedos, jewelry and more have been created by artists and community members as part of a fashion design competition.

Later that same weekend, The Springfield Armory will unveil their own "Humachine" based on inventor Thomas Blanchard on March 23. Another project partner, CityStage, will present a Steampunk-ed version of "The Fantasticks" on April 11. Other events involving the exhibit will be a Culture & Cocktails Steampunk Party on May 1, and two Museums a la Carte lectures: “The Romantic Roots of Steampunk” with Lynne Z. Bassett, Costume & Textile Historian, on May 8, and “Living Steampunk” with Bruce Rosenbaum, guest curator of Steampunk Springfield on May 29.