Lexington’s children’s museum, the ‘Explorium’, this year is celebrating its 25th anniversary. 20-16 will feature new exhibits while keeping long time favorites.
25 years ago, the Indianapolis Children’s Museum, considered by many as the granddaddy of all children’s museums, got people thinking about their own kids’ place of exploration and learning. It was an impetus for then vice mayor Pam Miller to get the ball rolling in Lexington. Current Director Lee Ellen Martin says since then it’s been a balancing act with new and established exhibits. “We’ve always wanted to keep the museum fresh and exciting. But, we never want to take away the well-loved exhibits,” said Martin.
Since 1990, three million visitors from all across Kentucky and 47 states have experienced the Explorium. Martin says the Short Street facility is old enough now to have been experienced by both parent and child. “Now that we’re 25 years, we hear parents frequently saying I liked doing this when I was your age with their children,” Martin said. “So, it’s fun to see those parents and children come back together and parents reliving their childhood with their children.”
The ‘Explorium’ features rotating exhibits and some which have been mainstays since opening in 1990. Museum Director Lee Ellen Martin says admission prices have remained the same for some time. “If you look at our per person cost at the Explorium, it’s about 12 to 13 dollars a person. We only charge eight dollars a person which, you know, many of my for-profit friends say that’s a broken model. But, we feel like it’s the affordable model for our families. We want to be affordable for all,” added Martin.“If you look at our per person cost at the Explorium, it’s about 12 to 13 dollars a person. We only charge eight dollars a person which, you know, many of my for-profit friends say that’s a broken model,” said Martin. “But, we feel like it’s the affordable model for our families. We want to be affordable for all.”
Martin says over half of the money to run the ‘Explorium’ is earned through admission, birthday parties, and group visits. Remaining support comes from the city, individuals, companies, and foundations. Martin says the aim is to make each exhibit equal in fun and educational value.?
