BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN) - After years of planning and construction, the Explore & More Children's Museum was dedicated at Canalside.
"It's a great day for play," CEO Michelle Urbanczyk told a group of dignitaries and supporters of the project in an event that was also attended by Governor Andrew Cuomo.
Explore & More Children's Museum is a 43,000 square foot building located at Canalside, where kids of all ages can interact with a variety of engaging areas including farming, water play, tools, sports, and more. The museum is more than eight times the size of its former location in East Aurora.
"This is a totally different way to communicate, educate, and involved young people," Cuomo said. "To stimulate them and have them experience what we want them to experience in a way they can actually process. It's not just a fantastic service for children but a different way to educate."
The museum has not undergone its full "grand opening" because construction continues on the "Playing Together" zone, which is dedicated to sports. Urbanczyk said that will be done in the coming days and weeks. In the mean time, the museum is open for its "soft phase" for groups such as school children, adults, community groups.
PHOTOS: Take a tour of the Explore & More Children's Museum at Canalside.
Once the museum is fully open, Urbanczyk said entry will be determined by time tickets to prevent kids from waiting in line.
"If 1,200 people aren't having a good visitors experience and kids can't play and be immersed, we're missing our mission," she said. "Our mission is to have kids play and grow and learn."
The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation selected the museum for a $6 million matching grant.
She said that anywhere from 600 to 800 children and adults are the most optimal capacity for fun.
