Newest traveling exhibit at Exploration Place meant to spark kids’ curiosity, creativity

Exploration Place will combine the worlds of art and science with its newest exhibit called Imaginate, set to open Saturday.

Christina Bluml, director of marketing for the museum, said the exhibit is meant to spark curiosity in visitors.

“That’s the basic focus of Imaginate, to get the gears turning and get you thinking about that next big idea,” she said.

At interactive stations visitors will get to design new objects for everyday use, try their hands at creating a short stop-motion film, create kinetic sculptures, make a light show using their heart beat and launch objects sky high.

Bluml said she hopes the exhibit will allow visitors to think outside the box and realize how closely art and science can influence each other.

Bluml also said it will allow visitors to understand that failure comes with innovation.

“If it doesn’t work, try again. And failing isn’t a bad thing. Actually what you learn from that failure might help inform your next steps,” Bluml said.

The museum plans to have events and education programs centered on the exhibit throughout its time.

Free Members’ Night, is from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Friday, Jan. 31, allowing museum members to preview the exhibit.

School’s Out Edventure, A Field of Firsts, is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on February 17 for grades K-5. The students will celebrate African American History Month by learning about inventors and creating their own STEM related invention. Registration is required. Members pay $35 and nonmembers pay $40. Sign up at exploration.org or call 316-660-0620.

Kansas Kids Preschool Class Wednesdays, from 10:30-11:30 a.m. every Wednesday now through May 22 for ages 3 to 5. The theme for February is Imagine to help students understand that failure is a part of innovation. Registration required. Members pay $5 and nonmembers pay $7. One adult is included. Sign up at exploration.org or call 316-660-0620.

Senior Wednesday – Age of Invention is February 26 in the Kemper Creative Learning Studio. Visitors will meet with an inventor and see how imagination played a role. Cost is $4 plus tax. Event is for adults ages 55 and older.

Bluml said Imaginate ties back to the mission behind the museum.

“It’s hands on science and hands on learning,” she said.

The exhibit is produced by Ontario Science Centre and will remain at the museum through Sunday, May 3 and is included in the general museum admission.

Imaginate Traveling Exhibit

When: Exhibit opens Saturday and continues through May 3.

Where: Exploration Place, 300 N. McLean Blvd.

Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday.

Admission: Adults ages 12-64, $11.50; seniors ages 65 and older, $10; youth ages 3-11, $8. Children 2 and younger will be admitted free.

More information: 316-660-0600; explorationplace.org

This story was originally published January 31, 2020 at 12:00 AM.