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MOXI, THE WOLF MUSEUM OF EXPLORATION + INNOVATION CELEBRATES FIRST BIRTHDAY AND INTRODUCES NEW PROGRAMS FOR YEAR TWO

Release Date: February 22,2018

New interactive science museum leads revitalization of lower State Street, sparks learning, garners acclaim and welcomes more than 175,000 guests in first year

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (February 21, 2018)MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation, will mark its one-year anniversary of opening on Sunday, February 25. It will celebrate its first year of science- and creativity-focused learning and discovery throughout the weekend with a special Members-Only Morning plus commemorative giveaways for all guests, birthday activities and festive touches throughout the building. In its first year, MOXI exceeded its attendance expectations, earned national recognition, and played an important role in the revitalization of lower State Street as a destination for tourists and locals.

In its first year, MOXI has racked up some impressive numbers and become a vital community resource:

  • More than 175,000 guests since opening
  • More than 5,700 member households
  • 10,000 school children visited on field trips, nearly 50% were from Title I schools
  • Named one of the “10 Best New Museums in the World” by Fodor’s Travel
  • Ranked #9 in USA Today’s Top 10 Best New Attractions readers’ poll
  • Teachers from Santa Barbara and Ventura counties enjoy free admission to MOXI
  • Employs 44 full and part-time staff with nearly 100 volunteers ranging in age from 13-77 years young
  • Opened its doors free of charge to Thomas Fire and Montecito mudflow evacuees as well as first responders and their families; Provided alternative classroom space to Montecito students and teachers displaced by disaster

In 2018, MOXI looks forward to building on its established success with some new and continuing programs including:

  • Spring break and summer camps for children in grades 1-6 featuring cardboard engineering and digital creativity themes
  • Afterparty events for adults age 21 and up; last year’s events were all sell-out affairs and included special demonstrations, games and live entertainment with local food and beverages
  • Twilight Time evening hours for guests 18 and up who want to explore the museum kids-free
  • Toddler Tuesdays, time for our youngest guests to explore our exhibits without visiting school groups onsite
  • Monthly themes in the Innovation Workshop makerspace at MOXI with new activities weekly
  • Training the next generation of science educators through the MOXI Apprenticeship in Informal Education in partnership with UCSB
  • Showcasing local, regional and international digital media artists’ work with rotating exhibitions in the Interactive Media Track

“We’re very fortunate to have been welcomed so graciously by this community and are grateful for the opportunity to inspire children and lifelong learners of all ages to think creatively, ask questions and actively explore the world,” said Robin Gose, president and CEO of MOXI. “Our exhibits and our programs would be nothing without our guests plus the staff and volunteers that truly bring them to life. Our first birthday is a great opportunity to say thank you to all of them and look forward to a new year filled with exciting new programs and experiences at MOXI.”

MOXI will celebrate its first birthday on Saturday, February 24 and Sunday, February 25 during normal operating hours from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. All guests will receive a commemorative MOXI birthday pin and every 100 guests will receive a “golden ticket” for a special MOXI prize in addition to enjoying festive touches throughout the building plus a special birthday activity in the Exploration Lab. Other special programming for the weekend includes a collaborative stop-motion animation workshop with Bix Pix Entertainment in the Innovation Workshop on Saturday from 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. MOXI Members will also enjoy early entry for a Members-Only Birthday Celebration on Saturday morning from 8:30 a.m. – 10 a.m. which will include a special Members giveaway, refreshments, face painting and temporary tattoos as well as exclusive time to see what’s new at MOXI.

About MOXI

MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation is a 21st century museum dedicated to igniting learning through interactive experiences in science and creativity. Located in the heart of Santa Barbara’s redeveloped tourist area at 125 State Street, it is LEED-certified Gold and serves children of all ages as well as lifelong learners. The museum’s interactive exhibits align with the national agenda to boost student achievement in math and science. MOXI is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization generously supported by its daily guests, members, facility rentals and donations from individuals, foundations + corporate partners. MOXI is now open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, or to learn how to get involved, visit moxi.org or contact MOXI at 805-770-5000.