Explora (Albuquerque, New Mexico) facts for kids

Explora is a super fun science center in Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States. It's located close to Old Town Albuquerque. The name "Explora" comes from the Spanish word explorar, which means "to explore." It's all about discovering new things!

This museum helps you learn about science, math, and art by doing things yourself. It has about 20,000 square feet of space with over 250 interactive exhibits. These exhibits cover many topics in science, technology, and art. Some cool exhibits include a special water fountain called a laminar flow fountain, an experiment bar, an arts and crafts area, and even a high-wire bike you can ride! Besides the exhibits, Explora also has a theater, a gift shop, and special areas for educational programs.

Explora is part of the Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC). Explora, along with the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science and the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History, helped host a big ASTC conference in Albuquerque in 2013.

How Explora Started

Explora's story began around 1983. Two different groups had similar ideas without knowing about each other! One group wanted a "children's Exploratorium." The other group imagined a "science and technology Exploratorium."

Explora officially became an organization in 1984. The second group, working with the New Mexico Academy of Science, opened an exhibit called "Explore" at the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History.

In 1986, Explora joined with HealthQuest. HealthQuest was a group interested in health education. They wanted a "health and medicine Exploratorium." These three groups worked together with the City of Albuquerque. They planned a special tax project to build a permanent home for the museum. This tax was approved in 1987. Then, construction plans were drawn up by Mahlman Studio Architecture.

Explora Science Center first opened in 1993 in Downtown Albuquerque at First Plaza Galleria. The museum moved a few times, first to the Sheraton Old Town, then to Winrock Center. In 1995, Explora joined with the Albuquerque Children’s Museum. It then became known as Explora Science Center and Children’s Museum. Explora opened its current location in December 2003.

The museum gets money from different places. This includes ticket sales, public funds from the city and state, and grants from companies and foundations.

Awards Explora Has Won

Explora has received several important awards for its great work.

Best of Burque Award

The Alibi magazine named Explora the "Best Recreational Program for Kids." The magazine said Explora is "an awesomely fun hands-on science center." It helps kids (and adults!) get excited about things like electricity, light, and how things move.

Shafer Leading Edge Award

In 2010, Explora won the Shafer Leading Edge Award for Visitor Experiences from ASTC. They shared this award with the Pacific Science Center. This award was for a program called Portal to the Public (PoP). This program brings local scientists to the museum. They talk about their research and do special activities with visitors.

IMLS Medal

In November 2010, Explora received the National Medal for Museum and Library Service. This award comes from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). It honors museums and libraries that do a great job helping their communities. Explora's Executive Director, Patrick Lopez, accepted this award at the White House on December 17, 2010.

Images for kids

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  The Explora Center with its colorful dome

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  The laminar flow fountain and some of the exhibits