LMS Foundation Grant Recipient: Explorium
By J.ColbyErnest, J.D.
Executive Director, Explorium of Lexington
Since 1990, the Lexington Children’s Museum, DBA Explorium of Lexington, has encouraged lifelong learning by creating a fun, dynamic, and hands-on environment that inspires imagination and curiosity. Attendance averages over 40,000 visitors annually and an additional 10,000 plus are impacted through outreach activities in the community. The Explorium hosts families annually from across Kentucky and the country.
The Explorium of Lexington provides an immersive, learning experience where children are engaged intently on their learning. Children play with other children. They interact and learn from each other. The Explorium develops foundations for academic and personal success. It’s where families have fun together, and where adults learn to play again.
There are ten discovery zones that focus on the Kentucky river and horses, health & nutrition, the community around us, the bubble zone, space and flight, insects, dinosaurs, homes from other countries, a special area for toddlers to discover the wonders of their world, and our newest gallery that allows children to explore their inner engineer! Within these zones, hands-on exhibits encourage children to learn by doing. For many years, The Lexington Medical Society has supported The Explorium’s “Around Town” gallery with a doctor’s office exhibit where children interact with their families and friends in this unique pretend play environment. The doctor’s office allows children to live out their dreams of being a real life doctor with stethoscopes, a scale, doctor’s jackets, an examination table, and much more!
As the exhibits and outreach have grown, we have started and expanded some exciting programs. Camps during the summer and through school-year provide STEAM based learning in fun and unique ways. The Explorium provides children’s activities at many local fairs and festivals, as well as hands-on STEAM activities for local elementary school’s science, art and literacy nights. For school groups that cannot come to the Explorium, we offer “The Mobile Play & Learning Lab”, and “STEAMer Trunks” that provide interactive and fun programs/activities that reinforce the classroom curriculum.
With friends like the Lexington Medical Society, The Explorium has inspired imagination and curiosity in children for over 30 years. Learn more at https://link.edgepilot.com/s/30d3c249/OjsugWrWRkKnG367xbd_Jg?u=http://www.explorium.com/ about all of our galleries, educational programming, and how you can support the Explorium mission!