After more than two years of planning and construction, and three and half months of closure for final renovations, Stepping Stones Museum for Children will re-open its doors on Saturday November 20, 2010 and embark on its future.
The build and renovation, which more than doubles the space of the original museum, is one of the largest development projects in the city of Norwalk. The new structure features solar panels, a “green” roof, a wind turbine and the use of recycled materials throughout the construction, all of which has qualified for LEED Gold Certification. The focus on conservation, reusable materials and energy-themed education and learning extends throughout the museum’s new exhibits, galleries and programming.
Among the most amazing attractions is the technologically unique Multimedia Gallery designed to help prepare children for a changing and diverse world. Simultaneously a theater, technology lab and broadcast-ready environment, the Multimedia Gallery includes a 43 x 11 foot immersive high-definition screen, interactive floor projection, video-conferencing technology and a state-of-the-art camera, lighting and sound system. Programs will include distance learning, live performances, interactive games, short films, youth-hosted forums and opportunities to create meaningful and relevant connections with children, communities and cultures around the world.
Joining exhibit favorites Build It!, Healthyville and Rainforest Adventure is the exciting new exhibit Energy Lab, a futuristic, wet and windy environment that will inspire children to explore and invent while learning about the science of energy and energy sources.
Also new is Tot Town, inspired by the latest research in early childhood development and play and designed to promote literacy for little learners. Nursery rhymes play a large role in Tot Town as they are placed throughout the exhibit. Tot Town will encourage infants and toddlers to investigate the real world in ways that stretch all of their abilities just as nursery rhyme characters use all their skills and senses to investigate and explore their imaginary world.
Rounding out the expansion is a larger and more robust parent and teach resource center, an all new art studio, a science lab, an expanded Café and the Age of Reason museum store.
Stepping Stones will open its doors to the public Saturday, November 20 at 10 am. With the newly renovated museum comes new opening days as Stepping Stones will be open 7 days a week from 10 am-5 pm.
No comments:
Post a Comment