Kentucky Science Center facts for kids
Front facade of the Kentucky Science Center
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| Former name | Louisville Museum of Natural History & Science |
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| Established | 1871 |
| Location | 727 West Main Street Louisville, Kentucky 40202 |
| Type | Science |
| Public transit access | TARC (Route 4, 77) |
| Nearest parking | On site |
The Kentucky Science Center is Kentucky's biggest science museum. It used to be called the Louisville Museum of Natural History & Science. You can find it in Louisville, Kentucky, right in the downtown area. It's part of a special place called "Museum Row."
The museum started way back in 1871 as a collection of natural history items. Today, it's a non-profit organization. Lots of students from Kentucky go on field trips here to learn and have fun.
About 550,000 people visit the center every year! In 1998, a special area for kids was updated and named KidZone. It has six fun, hands-on activities where you can learn by doing.
About the Building
The Kentucky Science Center is located at 727 West Main Street. The building is huge, about 150,000 square feet! It has a unique front made of cast-iron and limestone.
Building History
This building was first built in 1878. It was used as a warehouse for dry goods. The city of Louisville bought the property in 1975. The museum then moved into the building in 1977. It even won awards for keeping the old building's style.
In 1988, a four-story digital theater was added. This theater was updated again in 2014.
A large pendulum has been a cool part of the building's lobby for many years.
Growing Bigger
On January 11, 2007, the Kentucky Science Center announced it would get the Alexander Building. This building was built in 1880 and is right next to the main museum.
In 2009, the center opened a new Science Education Wing. This wing is on the first floor of the building. It has four science workshop labs. These labs are set up for "hands-on participation," meaning you can do experiments yourself! The Alexander Building is very large, almost 37,000 square feet.
See also
- Tchaenhotep – a Third Intermediate Period mummy owned by the center
