SCIENCE CELEBRATION

Explora marks 15 years in location near Old Town

EXPLORA CELEBRATES 15 YEARS OF DISCOVERY WHEN: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15 WHERE: Explora, 1701 Mountain NW HOW MUCH: $8 adults, $5 seniors, students, military; $4 children ages 1-11 at the door

Since its inception, Explora has embraced science-rich learning opportunities.

The museum found a permanent home near Old Town on Mountain Road and is celebrating its 15th year in the space.

“Our 15th anniversary celebration gives us an amazing opportunity to thank the individuals and families who have made Explora what it is today,” says Kristin Leigh, Explora’s deputy director. “It has been a privilege to serve New Mexico with handson STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) engagement for the past 15 years. We are excited to see what the next 15 years brings for Explora and the beloved communities we serve.”

Leigh remembers moving Explora from Winrock mall to the current space.

“It’s been fun to watch the creation of so many creative people grow into a community,” she says. “It’s given a lot of New Mexicans access to the science-rich learning opportunities. At first, it was a really cool place to bring your family on the weekend. Today, we’re a critical partner with the state and other organizations. We do 2,000 education programs a year at schools all over the state.”

In addition, Explora has about 22,000 families that have memberships to the museum at no cost.

At Saturday’s event, visitors can join in the special celebration, which will include remarks from Explora’s leadership at 11:45 a.m., a creative cake cutting at noon, and a hat-making activity in the pop-up STEM Makerspace from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The museum will also have a commemorative souvenir and cake for each visitor while supplies last, so folks are encouraged to arrive early and stay for the fun.

Doors open at 10 a.m., and Explora offers two floors of exhibit exploration and a gift shop — both open until 6 p.m.

The celebration is included with regular admission and, as usual, is free for Explora members.

On its social media, Explora is counting down the days to Dec. 15 by sharing fun vintage photos and Explora puzzles or trivia each day. Look for “Explora Science Center” on Facebook.

“We’re already working on expansion plans, which will allow us to do something with teenagers and younger children,” she says. “We have wonderful STEM partners at both CNM and UNM.”