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Innovative Exhibits Help Detroit Science Center Achieve Record Spring Break Attendance

Posted on: Tuesday, 1 May 2007, 12:00 CDT

DETROIT, May 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Innovative new exhibits are helping to draw record crowds to the 30-year-old Detroit Science Center, Michigan's largest hands-on science museum. From the blockbuster touring exhibition "Our Body: The Universe Within" to the hands-on "U. S. Steel Fun Factory" exhibit collection, the Science Center is drawing a diverse crowd of new and repeat visitors from both near and far.

During the recent Spring Break week, April 9-15, the Science Center welcomed 20,284 visitors, an all-time high for visitation over a one-week period, surpassing the previous record of 16,161 during Spring Break 2003.

"We are thrilled that our newest exhibit, the 'U. S. Steel Fun Factory,' combined with the blockbuster 'Our Body: The Universe Within' exhibition and all of the exciting programs, shows and activities here at the Detroit Science Center are such a huge hit with our patrons," said Kevin F. Prihod, President & CEO of the Detroit Science Center. "These attractions demonstrate that science can be inspiring, entertaining and even fun."

"Our Body: The Universe Within" opened at the museum on Jan. 13, 2007. Since then more than 120,000 visitors have experienced this one-of-a-kind exhibition that exposes the inner workings of human anatomy. The exhibit is comprised of 20 actual human bodies and 135 anatomical displays that highlight the various systems of the human body in incredible detail. The exhibition is produced and distributed by The Universe Within Touring Company, L.L.C. in association with American Exhibitions, Inc. of Boca Raton, Fla.

The "U. S. Steel Fun Factory," with 39 hands-on exhibits spanning 2,800 square-feet, is the only place in Michigan where visitors can learn how a variety of manufacturing processes turn an idea into reality with the help of computer design, prototypes, simulations, conveyors, robots, statistics and more. U. S. Steel is supporting the Fun Factory with a $600,000 cash contribution and $400,000 of in-kind support.

Over the next few years, the Detroit Science Center will continue to add new exhibits to ensure that there is always something new and exciting for visitors to experience at the museum. A new Transportation Gallery will explore the marvels of manufacturing and infrastructure, a Medical Sciences Gallery will reveal the amazing technology that keeps us alive and healthy, and a Space Gallery will take visitors into outer space and beyond. The Science Center will even introduce a one-of-a-kind Careers in Engineering Theater to excite young visitors about becoming future scientists or engineers.

"If you've never visited the Science Center, or even if you're one of the 1.8 million people who already have, there's never been a better time to explore and discover the wonders to be found at the Detroit Science Center," says Prihod.

The Detroit Science Center features 110,000 square feet of scientific exploration, including Michigan's only IMAX(R) Dome Theatre; the Dassault Systemes Planetarium; the Ford Learning Resource Center; the DTE Energy Sparks Theater; the DaimlerChrysler Science Stage; an 8,700 square-foot Science Hall for traveling exhibits; hands-on exhibit galleries focusing on space, life and physical science; an SBC Children's Gallery for pint-size scientists; and a Special Events Lobby. The Science Center has served more than 1.8 million visitors since its grand re-opening on July 28, 2001. For more information, please call 313-577-8400 or visit the website, http://www.detroitsciencecenter.org/.

Detroit Science Center

CONTACT: Kelly Fulford, Director of PR & Marketing, +1-313-577-8400x430, +1-248-496-1170 (cell), kfulford@sciencedetroit.org

Web site: http://www.detroitsciencecenter.org/

Source: PRNewswire

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