SHORT REVIEW: *THIS IS A MUST-SEE MUSEUM*
LONG REVIEW:
I first went to the Arizona Science Center many years ago with my family. My little brother was a lot younger then, and my parents thought it would be a great place for him to hang out, and play with other kids, whilst in an educational environment.
We all were happily surprised, as there were also a lot of fun activities for adults too.
I decided to check it out again this week, and see what's new, including the "Pompeii The Experience" exhibit before it leaves Phoenix.
ARIZONA SCIENCE CENTER & THE EXPERIENCE
Located in Heritage and Science Park in the heart of downtown Phoenix, the Arizona Science Center, a nonprofit corporation, plays host to 350 permanent hands-on exhibits, while providing interactive experiences to the 400,000 annual visitors every year.
The front desk has a very helpful and friendly staff. There were a lot of various packages depending on how long you want to stay and what you want to see. I decided on the day pass, and added the IMAX Wild Africa 3D, the Grand Tour of the Solar System, and of course, the Pompeii exhibit.
Aside from its permanent exhibits that earns it national attention every single year, the center has also featured a number of national traveling exhibitions and demonstrations. The current traveling exhibit is the Pompeii exhibit, which was very interesting.
In addition to its science center functionalities, the facility also hosts daily demonstrations in the Dorrance Planetarium, as well as their five-story, giant screen IMAX Theater. I enjoyed both.
The 45 minute Wild Africa 3D IMAX show was pretty predictable, basically just a National Geographic show; but it was cute and definitely great for kids too.
But the highlight was the Grand Tour of the Solar System, in the Dorrance Planetarium, hosted by astrophysicist and comedian, James. It was a very interactive, great for adults and kids; just a lot of great fun. At the end, there's a very cool "space roller coaster" show.
During the summer, the center includes educational programs and hands-on science activities for visitors of all ages, plus a summer science camp, Adult's Night Out thematic events, preschool programs, and a Science on Wheels outreach program.
PERMANENT EXHIBITIONS
Some of the most notable residents of this Phoenix science center include: Many Hands Make a Home, an architectural exhibit about building in Arizona; My Digital World, an information technology exhibit; Get Charged Up, a gravity experimentation exhibit; Solarville, a visual and interactive astrological exhibit; and Forces of Nature, a multi-screened motion floor theater experience.
ARIZONA SCIENCE CENTER (THEN & NOW)
The Arizona Science Center, previously known as the Arizona Museum of Science & Technology, was created in 1980 by the Junior League of Phoenix.
Turned into a nonprofit in 1982, the center officially opened its doors to the public in 1984 with only 10,000 square feet of space.
Experiencing tremendous success, with more than 87,000 visitors that first year, many of this first exhibits are still in the center today.
By 1988, the City of Phoenix awarded more than $33 million in disbursements for the center to move and establish a bigger, more grandeur home.
Construction began in 1997, with additional classrooms added in 1998.
Since then, the center has grown to become one of Phoenix's most popular cultural attractions, serving more than 3 million patrons since opening the new downtown facility in 1997.
The facility today includes 40,000 square feet of gallery space, the theater, planetarium, multimedia classrooms, gift shops, food services, and lunch rooms.
As a futuristic science center, the actual architecture of the new facility reflects the nonprofit's commitment to abstract innovation.
The building blends influences drawn from geological events with urban design elements.
A silhouette and horizon merge with the phenomena of light, water, reflection, and mirage that is designed to awe and inspire visitors.
CONCLUSION
I absolutely adored the Arizona Science Center, especially the Dorrance Planetarium.
Definitely consider visiting the Arizona Science Center the next time you're in town.
5/5 RECOMMEND
OF NOTE
*The best parking is in the garage across the street.