MOXI Museum Will Open February 25, Marking Arrival of Hands-on Science and Tech Destination on Central Coast
SANTA BARBARA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#MOXIsb–The long-awaited MOXI,
The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation, will open its doors to
all on Saturday, February 25. The opening of Santa Barbara’s newest
hands-on science and technology museum represents the culmination of
more than 25 years of work by community volunteers to bring such an
experience to the region. MOXI expects to attract more than 100,000
guests in its first year including area residents, tourists from around
the world and approximately 15,000 area school children.
“The entire MOXI team is so excited to open our doors and welcome guests
to explore, discover and play. No matter your age, abilities,
background, or interest in science, you will find something, hopefully
many things, that you will love about MOXI,” said Steve Hinkley,
president and CEO of MOXI. “MOXI is a place where we promote creative
thinking, collaboration, experimentation, hands-on learning and fun.”
Situated between the train tracks and the beach on the edge of the Funk
Zone, MOXI brings new life to lower State Street on a formerly vacant
lot. What guests will notice first is the strikingly beautiful building
designed by the late Berry Berkus, and seen through to completion by AB
Design Studio. The whitewash walls and red tile of the lookout tower
complement Santa Barbara’s signature Spanish Colonial style while the
wavy lines and sea-inspired light fixtures and sea glass tile accents
add a touch of playfulness and pay homage to the nearby Pacific Ocean.
Inside the building, more than 17,000 square feet of exhibit space
awaits guests. The museum’s three floors are filled with interactive
exhibits and experiences grouped into seven broad topic areas called
Tracks. On the first floor, there are the areas dedicated to Sound,
Fantastic Forces and Tech, including MOXI’s own dedicated makerspace
called the Innovation Workshop. The second floor features Light, Speed
and Interactive Media, including a small black box theater that will
house rotating exhibitions and shows. The first installation comes from
UCSB’s AlloSphere Research Group, a program of the university’s Media
Arts Technology department. The third floor is home to the rooftop
Levinson Family Sky Garden and features exhibits that take advantage of
the natural elements and stunning views of the mountains, harbor, and
Stearns Wharf.
Each Track has a series of interactive exhibits that encourage
open-ended discovery, analytical assessment, experimentation, play and
just plain fun. For example, in the Muller Family Sound Track, the front
of the space is marked by a 24’ long, and 8’ tall Giant Guitar that
guests can step inside to learn about how instruments produce different
sounds. Also in the Sound Track, guests can get a taste of Hollywood
magic by stepping into the “Foley Studios,” professional-quality sound
booths where they are challenged to create the sound effects for popular
Fox Studios film clips. Upstairs, in the Muzzy Family Speed Track, kids
and kids at heart will gravitate towards “Build It, Test It, Race It,”
an experience reminiscent of pinewood derby infused with some new
technology. Finally, from the rooftop’s Towbes Family Lookout Tower,
guests will enjoy an entirely new way of looking at the city around them
through a series of five scopes – a traditional telescope, a
heat-sensing thermal imaging lens, a kaleidoscope, a periscope and a
LIDAR speed- and distance-detecting device.
The museum has a staff of more than 40 full- and part-time employees as
well as nearly 100 volunteers. Guests will interact most with MOXI’s
floor staff known as Sparks. “MOXI Sparks ignite learning by sparking
curiosity and creativity,” said Ron Skinner, director of education for
MOXI. “The Sparks engage with MOXI guests through hands-on exhibits,
activities, demonstrations, challenges and games, encouraging guests to
experiment, observe, explore, discover, question, make, and design.”
MOXI will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with early-entry at 8:30
a.m. on Tuesdays and Saturdays for its members. General admission is $14
for adults (guests age 13 and up), and $10 for children age 3-12.
Children 2 and under are admitted for free. Members also get in free.
One ticket gets you access to all MOXI has to offer. MOXI offers a
variety of membership
options starting at $90 for an individual and $130 for a family.
MOXI is also available for rent as a private
event venue. In addition to boasting one of Santa Barbara’s most
beautiful views from its rooftop – with a nearly 360 view from the
mountains of the Riviera to the waters of the nearby wharf and harbor
areas – a private event at MOXI grants you access to all the exhibit
areas as well, for what is sure to be one unforgettable party.
Throughout its development, MOXI has forged partnerships with area
schools, businesses and other nonprofits. After opening, guests will
begin to see these partnerships in action from spotlights on area
businesses and students on the Innovation Wall display to
curriculum-aligned field trip programs. MOXI will also offer after
school classes, summer camps and mobile outreach for area children.
Additionally, quarterly after hours events will transform the typical
museum experience into a themed night out just for adults.
MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation is a 21st
century museum dedicated to igniting learning through interactive
experiences in science and creativity. Located in the heart of Santa
Barbara’s redeveloped tourist area at 125 State Street, it will be the
county’s first LEED-certified museum serving children of all ages as
well as lifelong learners. The museum’s interactive exhibits, designed
by award-winning museum planning firm Gyroscope, Inc. align with the
national agenda to boost student achievement in math and science. MOXI
is in the final stage of a $25 million capital campaign to fund the
building, exhibits and an endowment for the future. For more information
on how to donate or get involved, contact MOXI at 805-708-2282, info@moxi.org
or visit moxi.org.
Contacts
MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation
Martha Swanson,
805-770-5008
Communications Manager
martha.swanson@moxi.org
