Museum of Discovery Touts Attendance Rise Since Re-opening

Since re-opening its doors in January, the Arkansas Museum of Discovery says it has welcomed more than 100,000 people, including Arkansans and visitors from 49 states and several foreign countries. During that time, more than 1,600 membership packages have been purchased.

“We anticipated an increase in visitation and memberships, given the fact that we had been closed for nearly a year for a major renovation. But the magnitude of the increase in such a short period of time has been pretty phenomenal,” said Nan Selz, executive director of the museum. “What's even better is that we keep seeing people return. There is so much to explore at the s

cience center. It lends itself to new experiences each visit,” she added.

The museum closed for renovation April 2011, and re-opened January 14. At 2010's six-month mark, attendance was nearly 60,000. Since January 2012, more than 100,000 people have visited the facility.

In 2010, membership sales were close to 500. As of July 15, membership sales neared 1,700.

The Donald W. Reynolds Foundation awarded the Museum a $9.2 million grant solely dedicated to the renovation, which paid for updates to 44,000 square feet of existing space, the addition of 6,000 square feet, and the installation of nearly 90 new exhibits throughout the facility.