Imperial Centre for the Arts and Sciences facts for kids
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Established | 2005 |
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Location | 270 Gay St, Rocky Mount, North Carolina, United States |
The Imperial Centre for the Arts and Sciences is a fantastic place in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. It's a museum where you can explore both art and science! Imagine a giant learning playground with something for everyone.
This amazing center includes the Maria V. Howard Arts Center, the Rocky Mount Children's Museum and Science Center, and a community theater. It even has the Cummins Planetarium, though it's currently closed. The Imperial Centre is a great spot for families and kids who love to learn and have fun.
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Discover the Imperial Centre's Fun
The Imperial Centre is packed with exciting things to see and do. It's a place where your imagination can soar!
Explore Art and Science
You can visit the Maria V. Howard Arts Center to see incredible art exhibits. These shows feature different artists and styles. You might see paintings, sculptures, or even digital art.
The Rocky Mount Children's Museum and Science Center is perfect for hands-on learning. You can do cool experiments and discover how things work. It's a great way to learn about science in a fun way.
Enjoy Live Performances
The community theater at the Imperial Centre hosts many live shows. You can watch plays, musicals, and other performances. It's a wonderful chance to see talented actors right on stage.
Learn and Create
Beyond exhibits and shows, the Imperial Centre offers art classes and workshops. You can learn new skills like painting or drawing. They also host special community events throughout the year. These events are often fun for the whole family.
A Look at the Centre's History
The Imperial Centre has an interesting past. It's built on a very old site.
From Tobacco to Discovery
The center is located on the land where the Imperial Tobacco Company of Great Britain and Ireland once stood. This company was very old, dating back to the late 1800s. The site covers a huge area, about 135,000 square feet!
Rebuilding After a Storm
In 1999, a big storm called Hurricane Floyd caused a lot of damage. The old museum and arts center were flooded. They were badly hurt by the water.
After the hurricane, the community decided to rebuild. They used the old tobacco company site and the former building of the Braswell Memorial Library. This new, big space became the Imperial Centre for the Arts and Sciences. It opened in 2005, giving the community a wonderful new place for learning and creativity.