Look ahead for a strikingly modern building with curved concrete walls and a huge sweep of glass rising above the water-almost like a futuristic ship docked right on the riverbank.
Welcome to Exploration Place, one of Wichita’s most exciting landmarks, where science and imagination join forces right on the west side of the Arkansas River. Imagine stepping back into the 1980s-you’d find kids and families going to separate spots for science fun and children’s adventures, scattered all over town. But, like a superhero team-up, a bold plan was put in motion to combine these places-the Omnisphere and Science Center and the Children’s Museum-into something even greater. After years of dreaming and a burst of fundraising (plus a generous gift from Velma Lunt Wallace), Exploration Place opened its doors in spring 2000, and Wichita suddenly had a scientific playground unlike any other.
The feeling you get just approaching the building is no accident. Designed by world-renowned architect Moshe Safdie, the museum almost seems to float on the water, hugged by the Arkansas River on one side and a shimmering reflecting pond on the other. In fact, the “Island Building” gets its name from being surrounded by these calm blue mirrors. During the record-breaking flood of 1998, the river tried its best but never even came close to reaching the main floor-talk about smart engineering!
Let your imagination run wild as you picture the inside-100,000 square feet, enough space for all the curiosity Wichita can handle. If you tried to walk around the entire interior perimeter of both buildings, you’d rack up a full mile on your step counter. In the early 2000s, you could be part of the audience for live weather broadcasts at the KSN WeatherLab, where meteorologists became true rock stars and visitors could try out the green screen or pepper the pros with weather questions. These days, the high-tech Dome Theater takes center stage with Kansas’ largest dome screen, a jaw-dropping 60 feet high-perfect for getting lost in digital films that surround you from every angle.
But the real adventure is in the hands-on exhibits. Fancy a trip inside the human body? The Health Inside Out gallery is your ticket. Dreaming of being an aircraft designer? The Design, Build, Fly area puts you in charge, letting you design airplane seats, test landing gear, and even rivet a wing-all inspired by Wichita’s proud aviation history. Then there’s Kansas in Miniature, where the state’s 1950s buildings are recreated in amazing detail, and TeamLab, a playground for the imagination where teamwork and creativity are king.
And let’s not forget, every wizard-in-training under five will find Kansas Kids Connect an absolute wonderland. More in the mood for shopping? The Explore Store is packed with science toys and fair trade treasures, and you don’t even need museum admission to stop in.
As you stand here, think about the thousands of families, curious minds, and future scientists who have laughed, learned, and maybe even gotten a little lost in wonder right where you are now. And the fun’s not stopping: soon, the new outdoor amphitheater and a massive destination playscape will make this place even more magical. Just imagine what you could discover next…
To expand your understanding of the building, dome theater or the explore store, feel free to engage with me in the chat section below.
