Science Museum Oklahoma in Oklahoma City has undergone a remarkable transformation. Designed by Rand Elliott Architects, the renovation turned this venerable institution into a modern marvel.
The museum, originally known as the Omniplex, now boasts a facility spanning over 390,000 square feet. It features enhanced entryways, a new children’s museum, and an upgraded building skin.
Visitors to the Science Museum Oklahoma are greeted with an improved park entrance and parking plan, making access more convenient.
The redesigned lobby and gift shop offer a fresh experience for guests from the moment they step inside.
The museum also includes notable attractions like the Kirkpatrick Planetarium and the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame.
The design excellence of the Science Museum Oklahoma has not gone unnoticed. In 2021, it received a Citation Award for Commercial Architecture from AIA Oklahoma for its outstanding renovation efforts.
This recognition underscores the museum’s success in providing an engaging, educational environment for hands-on science learning.
History and Development
Founded in 1958, Science Museum Oklahoma has undergone significant changes, most notable being its early history as Omniplex and its extensive renovation that revitalized the institution. These transformations have allowed the museum to better serve the community and improve its educational outreach.
Founding of the Museum
Science Museum Oklahoma, originally known as Omniplex, was founded in 1958. John Kirkpatrick played a crucial role in its establishment.
The museum aimed to make science accessible to the public and was initially part of the Oklahoma City Zoo. The Kirkpatrick Center then became its home as the museum expanded.
The founding vision was to provide an interactive environment where visitors could learn about science through engaging exhibits.
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From its inception, the museum focused on education and community engagement. Over the years, it grew to encompass over 390,000 square feet of exhibit space.
This growth reflects the museum’s commitment to evolving alongside advancements in science and technology. The early success set the stage for future developments and the eventual need for modernization.
Transformation and Renovation
Around the early 2000s, Science Museum Oklahoma faced declining attendance and almost closed. A rescue came through a multimillion-dollar renovation spearheaded by Rand Elliott Architects.
This transformation included a new entry, upgraded building skin, and enhancements such as a polycarbonate canopy and vertical wood inserts.
The renovation also incorporated a 21,000 square-foot children’s museum, an improved park entrance, and better parking plans.
These changes revitalized the museum, leading to record attendance levels. The building now features a mix of wood structure and insulated glass, making it both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
The museum’s CEO, Sherry Marshall, supported these efforts, which earned a Citation Award for Commercial Architecture in 2021.
Exhibitions and Features
Science Museum Oklahoma offers a variety of engaging exhibitions and educational programs. These exhibits and activities aim to stimulate curiosity, inspire learning, and foster creativity.
Permanent Exhibits and Spaces
Science Museum Oklahoma features over 390,000 square feet of interactive experiences. Key areas include the Aviation Gallery, showcasing artifacts and stories of aviation pioneers.
The Kirkpatrick Planetarium offers stunning astronomy shows, while CurioCity allows kids to learn through play.
The Science Floor demonstrates principles of physics and engineering. Tinkering Garage provides hands-on projects to boost creativity.
Destination Space explores NASA’s missions and space science. The Oklahoma Aviation and Space Hall of Fame highlights local contributions to aviation and space exploration.
Educational Programs and Outreach
Science Museum Oklahoma runs various educational programs to engage the community.
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Summer Camps and Kidspace activities are designed to immerse children in science, encouraging them to explore various scientific fields.
Specialized workshops and Live Shows bring physical concepts to life through demonstrations.
Outreach programs extend these educational opportunities beyond the museum.
Collaboration with the Oklahoma Museum Network allows them to reach schools and community centers. They also organize Tinkerfest, an annual event encouraging hands-on science and engineering activities.
Collaborations and Community Role
The museum plays a pivotal role in the community by collaborating with various entities and hosting special events.
The smART Space Galleries blend art and science, showcasing exhibits like “Currents: Turning the Tide on Ocean Conservation.”
They work with local artists and scientists to create exhibitions that make science more accessible.
They also partner with the Oklahoma City Zoo and the Oklahoma Air and Space Museum to offer unique learning experiences.
Participation in community events and support from the Board of Trustees ensures that the museum remains a valuable educational resource in Oklahoma City.
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