The Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center is a non-profit, mission based, science center that promotes science learning through a variety of inquiry-based educational and entertaining activities, including exhibits, IMAX films, demonstrations, workshops and teacher professional development. Located in downtown Mobile, Alabama, Exploreum visitors can experience more than 150 hands-on science adventures in three permanent galleries: Hands On Hall, the Wharf of Wonder, and My BodyWorks, the most advanced health exhibit in the nation. The Exploreum also features large-scale, family friendly, interactive traveling exhibits, year-round with broad science content and supplementary, themed educational programming. Guests can also enjoy demonstrations or workshops in the ChemLab, BioLab or new ExploreTEC lab and see a film in the J.L. Bedsole IMAX Theater. Voted the 2008-2009 Alabama Attraction of the Year, nominated as Best Family Attraction in Mobile for ten consecutive years and a Top 15 Science Center in the Country, the Exploreum is the only science technology center serving south Alabama, south Mississippi and northwest Florida.
History
In 1976 the Junior League of Mobile provided funding for research and development of a hands-on interactive museum for the children of Mobile, with this initial commitment directly leading to the creation of The Explore Center, Inc., a private, non-profit educational incorporation, and a Board of Trustees. The board eventually raised $1.3 million to build a contemporary building on Springhill Avenue adjacent to the Bragg-Mitchell Mansion, and the Gulf Coast Exploreum "Museum of Science" was opened in 1983. That site was outgrown within 4 years and in 1987 a Relocation Committee was formed and determined that Mobile's historic downtown area would be well suited for an expanded, state of the art science center and IMAX theater. A capital campaign was launched at this time with the procurement of corporate and individual contributions and commitments by officials at the city, county and federal level. After 11 years of planning and 3 years of construction, the new facility situated on Government Street between Royal and Water streets was opened in 1998 and is now suited for people of all ages.
Exhibits
The Exploreum is home to three permanent exhibits: My BodyWorks, Hands On Hall, and the Wharf of Wonder. My BodyWorks opened Winter 2009 and is an interactive, technologically advanced exhibit, custom designed for the Exploreum. A community project presented by Infirmary Health Foundation, it is dedicated to human health and workforce development. My BodyWorks also features a fully functioning biology lab where science educators present materials that delve further into the topics presented in the gallery. The Hands On Hall is the Exploreum's original exhibit gallery and contains more than 20 interactive exhibits. The Wharf of Wonder is a community project of the Junior League of Mobile and features an optimal learning environment for the smallest of Exploreum visitors, from infants to age 5. The Exploreum hosts a variety of traveling exhibits. Past traveling exhibits have included "Mysteries of Egypt: Wonderful Treasures from the Pharaoh's Tomb" in 2001, "China! 7,000 Years of Innovation" in 2002, "International Space Station" in 2003, "The Brain: It's All In Your Head" in 2004, "The Dead Sea Scrolls" in 2005, "Mummy: The Inside Story" in 2006, and "A Day in Pompeii" in 2007. In 2008, the Exploreum hosted "Our Body: The Universe Within", featuring actual human plastinated bodies. In 2009 "Bob the Builder - Project Built It", "Sea Lion Splash" in 2010, and "Kangaroo Kraze" in 2011, featuring live kangaroos, all came to the Exploreum. In 2019 "Genghis Khan: The Great Civilizer" displayed over 400 artifacts, costumes, weaponry and featured live performances by Mongolian artisans.
Features
The J.L. Bedsole IMAX Dome Theater has featured IMAX films ranging from "Everest" in 1998 to "Wired to Win: Surviving the Tour De France" in 2008. The theater also remains the only domed IMAX theater on the Gulf Coast. The Ciba Lab allows visitors to participate in science demonstrations, or just observe from the amphitheater style seating.
