Explora (Albuquerque, New Mexico) facts for kids
Explora is a fun science center located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA. It's close to the historic Old Town Albuquerque. The name "Explora" comes from a Spanish word meaning "to explore." This is perfect because the museum is all about exploring!
Explora uses a hands-on approach to teach about science, math, and art. This means you learn by doing things yourself. The museum has a huge space, about 20,000 square feet (1,858 square meters), filled with over 250 interactive exhibits. These exhibits cover many different areas of science, technology, and art. Some cool exhibits include a special water fountain called a laminar flow fountain. There's also an experiment bar where you can try things out. You can find an arts and crafts area and even a high-wire bike! Besides the exhibits, Explora has a theater, a gift shop, and areas for educational programs.
Explora is part of the Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC). In 2013, Explora helped host a big ASTC conference in Albuquerque. They did this with the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science and the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History.
Contents
Discovering Science and Art
Explora's main goal is to help people discover new things. They want to create chances for exciting discoveries. They also want to share the joy of learning throughout life. They do this through interactive experiences in science, technology, and art. It's a place where you can always learn something new and exciting.
Explora's Journey: A Look at Its History
Explora's story began around 1983. Two different groups had similar ideas without knowing about each other. One group wanted a children's museum focused on exploration. The other imagined a science and technology exploration center.
Explora officially became an organization in 1984. The second group, working with the New Mexico Academy of Science, opened an exhibit called "Explore." This exhibit was at the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History.
In 1986, Explora joined forces with the New Mexico Academy of Sciences. They also teamed up with HealthQuest, a group interested in health education. These three groups worked with the City of Albuquerque. Their goal was to create a permanent home for a new museum.
A special tax was approved in 1987 to help fund the project. Plans for the building were then drawn up.
Explora Science Center first opened in 1993 in Downtown Albuquerque. It was located in the First Plaza Galleria. Over the years, the museum moved a few times. It went to the Sheraton Old Town and then to Winrock Center. In 1995, Explora merged with the Albuquerque Children’s Museum. It then became known as Explora Science Center and Children’s Museum. Explora opened its current, larger location in December 2003.
The museum gets money from different places. This includes ticket sales and public funds from the city and state. They also receive grants from companies and foundations.
Awards and Recognition
Explora has received several important awards for its work. These awards show how much Explora helps people learn and explore.
Best of Burque Award
The Alibi magazine named Explora the "Best Recreational Program for Kids." The magazine described Explora as a super fun, hands-on science center. It helps kids and adults get excited about things like electricity and light.
Shafer Leading Edge Award
In 2010, Explora won the Shafer Leading Edge Award. They shared this award with the Pacific Science Center. This award was for a program called Portal to the Public (PoP). PoP brings local scientists to the museum floor. They talk about their research with visitors. This helps people understand science better.
IMLS Medal
Explora received the National Medal for Museum and Library Service in November 2010. This medal is given by 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 the award. The ceremony took place 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 inside Explora.
