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Lawrence Hall of Science will exhibit a rare collection of kites from Indonesia from July 15 to Aug. 20. 

The Kites and Culture exhibit features a colorful Balinese kite with a 200-foot tail draped from the ceiling as a canopy. It is so large it takes 10 people to launch. Other kites include delicate Sulawesi bamboo and leaf kites used for fishing and kites in the sail shape. 

The kites are works of art and technology, as well as windows to understanding the various religions, traditional and contemporary influences within the huge nation of Indonesia. In Indonesia, kites are an expression of the kite maker’s artistic and spiritual inspirations. 

Kite flying is an individual recreational experience in Indonesia. Kites are also used as ritual objects, musical instruments and tools for fishing and catching bats. 

The opening day of the exhibit will feature kite-making activities and Indonesian coffee from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. 

The weekend of Aug. 19 and 20, Lawrence Hall of Science will host an Indonesian cultural festival. It will feature the first U.S. appearance by Indonesian kite makers demonstrating their kite building and flying skills. 

The first day of the festival will include Indonesian food, building and flying of Indonesian-style kites and performances by Balinese dancers. The second day a Javanese gamelan orchestra will perform. 

Lawrence Hall of Science is located on Centennial Drive, above the UC Berkeley campus. The Hall is open daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $6 for adults; $4 for children 7-18, seniors and students; and $2 for children 3-6. For information, call (510) 642-5132 or visit www.lhs.berkeley.edu.