The New River Valley is about to redefine child-like wonder as Wonder Universe: A Children’s Museum prepares for its grand opening at the New River Valley Mall on Thursday, Nov. 7, at 10 a.m.
“Our museum’s grand opening marks the beginning of a thrilling new chapter for the kids and families in our region,” said Sarah Nucci, the museum’s executive director. “Not only are the current exhibit areas fun and new but we will soon have engaging programs to complement them.”
Museum guests of all ages are invited to enjoy ten new hands-on exhibit areas including: farm to table, veterinary clinic, dental office, a builder’s toolbox and a 16-foot fire truck. Additional interactive play spaces include an infant/toddler area, art and maker space and Amazing Air Play, a pneumatic airway exhibit that allows guests to study the power of air.
The museum’s new exhibits were designed with kids in mind as Wonder Universe seeks to educate, amuse and inspire kids and families through play. Nucci, who began work with the museum in September, looks forward to the opportunity to promote the power of playful learning in the New River Valley. “Play is how children learn, and Wonder Universe is here to help inspire kids and families to discover and learn, side by side,” she added.
Kristin Kirk, chair of the museum’s board of directors, cites the support of the community and months of thoughtful planning as being keys to bringing the new museum to life. “It’s been amazing to see so many area businesses, civic groups and volunteers support this endeavor,” she said.
Exhibit sponsors include NRV Pediatrics, Shelor Motor Mile, Real Life Dental and Stateson Homes. Kirk said, “The volunteers from Blacksburg Breakfast Lions Club and the area Rotary Clubs have been incredibly helpful in getting our new space ready for play. We could not open our doors without the great support and help of the New River Valley Mall and Snyder & Associates.”
The museum’s board of directors and community volunteers have logged more than 2,500 hours of work in recent months to get Wonder Universe ready to greet its guests. “We can’t wait to see all of the smiling, wide-eyed kids and families as they enter our doors for the very first time,” said Nucci.
The hours of operation will be Tuesday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. and; Sunday from moon until 6:00 p.m. General admission is $8 per person.
Special events, field trips and birthday parties can be scheduled through the Wonder Universe website at http://Wonderuniverse.org.
All inquiries can be sent to Sarah Nucci, Executive Director, at sarahn@wonderuniverse.org.
