The all-new Sloan Museum of Discovery will re-open to the public Saturday, July 16.
I was treated to a sneak preview of the new facility by Marketing Director, Anne Mancour in June and the new space is amazing.
It took a bit of imagination as construction was still going on having seen some inevitable delays due to Covid and other issues, but work is on schedule for the July 16th opening.
Key takeaways are that the museum has almost doubled its exhibit space to 107,000 square feet. As you enter through the main entrance across from The Whiting you enter an expansive public space with a new Coffee Beanery Café with food options for lunch and an area available to rent for weddings, banquets, parties, and other events. There is also a community meeting room and other learning lab spaces.
You will also view a beautiful mosaic (unfinished as of this writing) on the wall made up of thousands of colored pieces to create an exquisite work of art. It will be impressive.
The Discovery Hall (science gallery) will include a multistory Spaceship Earth exhibit, a new water table, maker space and so much more. The History Gallery spaces feature all new exhibits including a “learning lodge” designed by local Native American artists. The Hagerman Street Early Childhood Gallery is a new interactive space for youngsters 0-6 years of age. And, of course, the new, 11,000 square foot Durant Gallery will showcase Sloan’s automobile collection. The old off site Buick Gallery will now be used for auto maintenance, restoration, and storage.
A subtle touch is a representation of the Flint River on the floor that guides you through the museum.
Major supporters include: The Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, the State of Michigan, GM Corporate Giving, and the Hagerman Foundation. Millage funding helps support operating and program expenses and allows free admission for all Genesee County residents.
