Exploration Place
Exploration Place in Wichita, Kansas is a scientific museum and discovery center that provides all ages with a fun and engaging learning environment. The museum is committed to fostering a lifetime passion for learning in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Exploration Place is a must-visit location for anybody interested in science and technology since it features over 100 interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and a permanent exhibit on the history of Kansas.
Exploration Place, located on the banks of the Arkansas River, has been open to the public since the year 2000. Moshe Safdie, a renowned architect, designed the 98,000-square-foot museum structure. The building’s design is influenced by the Kansas countryside, with its curved lines and copper-colored façade symbolizing the state’s iconic wheat fields and plains.
The displays in the museum are interactive, engaging, and educational. “Design Build Fly” is one of the most popular displays, allowing visitors to design and construct their own airplanes, test them in a wind tunnel, and then pilot them in a flight simulator. Another popular exhibit is “Kansas in Miniature,” which allows visitors to explore and learn about a small representation of the state.
The permanent exhibit of the museum, entitled “The Prairie Wind,” takes visitors on a trip through the history of Kansas, from the period when Native American tribes first occupied the region to the present day. The exhibit showcases the distinctive history and culture of the state through interactive displays and relics.
In addition to the displays, Exploration Place also contains a planetarium with numerous events and presentations. The 60-foot-diameter dome of the planetarium is equipped with a cutting-edge projection system that gives visitors with an immersive and informative experience. Educational talks on the solar system and the stars are interspersed with multimedia presentations that explore the interface between art and science.
During the year, Exploration Place organizes a range of events, including workshops, talks, and special exhibits. The annual fall “Science of Beer” event at the museum is a popular event that highlights the science underlying the brewing process. Visitors can study the chemistry of brewing, sample various brews, and even compete in a beer-making contest.
Beyond displays and events, the museum is committed to education. Exploration Place provides numerous educational activities for schools and groups, such as STEM-based workshops and field trips. The museum also offers a summer camp for youngsters that involves hands-on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics instruction.
Exploration Place is likewise dedicated to making science available to all individuals. Low-income families receive discounted entry, while active-duty military personnel and their families receive free access. Moreover, the museum provides sensory-friendly hours for guests with autism and other sensory processing issues.
Exploration Place in Wichita, Kansas is an amazing science museum and discovery center that gives visitors of all ages a fun and engaging learning experience. The interactive exhibits, planetarium performances, and educational events at the museum make it a perfect location for families, school groups, and science and technology enthusiasts. The museum’s dedication to accessibility and diversity guarantees that all visitors can appreciate the marvels of science and the excitement of discovery. Visit Exploration Place if you’re ever in Wichita to see for yourself why it’s one of the top science museums in the country.