Science Museum receives $1 million gift from Love's
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla., Dec. 5, 2011 — Science Museum Oklahoma is honored to announce they have received a $1 million gift from Love’s Travel Stops.
“Love’s is excited to announce a $1 million donation to support renovations and improvements to Science Museum Oklahoma,” said Jenny Love Meyer, Director of Communications Love's Travel Stops. “The Science Museum is a true educational gem serving children and families in Oklahoma. This partnership furthers Love’s commitment to support education and youth-focused programs in our home state.”
Within the next five years Science Museum Oklahoma will invest $30 million in new exhibits and facilities. Funded by a planning grant from the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation, the museum has undergone an extensive planning process dedicated to providing Oklahoma with a science museum of national prominence. A comprehensive master plan has identified two high impact projects which will be completed within five years. These projects include: a new iconic main entrance and a major permanent exhibit for families with young children.
“It has been said that a museum is a prism of the society in which it resides. It is a reflection of the society’s cultural and educational values presented to the world in a way that embodies civic pride and inspires its community,” said James Farris, Science Museum Oklahoma Board Chair. “Science Museum Oklahoma’s message is, ‘You are important. What you learn, how you play, and where you grow with your family is important.’ The gift from Love’s supports our commitment to providing the best interactive learning environment possible.”
Science Museum Oklahoma retained Rand Elliott of Rand Elliott + Associates to transform the museum’s plain exterior and inadequate lobby. Elliott was tasked with creating a design that will be the physical manifestation of the museum’s mission to reveal the wonder and relevance of science. He enthusiastically accepted the challenge and, with his experience in creating iconic public spaces, the result is certain to garner attention. The collaboration of Science Museum Oklahoma and Rand Elliott has resulted in a campus plan guaranteed to enlighten and inspire for many years to come.
The revitalized campus will be the perfect setting for the museum’s new exhibit designed for families with young children. As families enter the exhibit they will step into a life-size coloring book. They’ve entered a whimsical neighborhood where the familiar meets the fanciful as young children get a taste of the wonderful world of science. While designed with young children in mind, activities are also provided to educate and entertain older siblings and their parents. When complete this exhibit will set a new standard for how Science Museum Oklahoma introduces young children and their families to science.
For more information Science Museum Oklahoma guests can call 405-602-6664, or visit www.sciencemuseumok.org for more information.
About Science Museum Oklahoma
Science Museum Oklahoma reveals the wonder and relevance of science in our everyday lives. Get up to your elbows in science with acres of hands-on experiences, thousands of space, aviation and cultural artifacts and new exhibits always on the horizon. Blast off beyond the Milky Way in the Planetarium Theater and feel the heat from live explosions in Science Live. And you’ll love traveling to new worlds while watching IMAX movies in the dome theater. Let your inner-child run wild!
About Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores
Founded in 1964 by Tom Love, Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores is headquartered in Oklahoma City, Okla., and remains entirely family-owned and operated. With more than 280 locations and 130 tire care centers in 39 states, Love’s approximate growth rate is 20 stores per year. Love’s is currently ranked No. 7 on Forbes Magazine’s annual listing of America’s largest privately held companies. To learn more, go to www.loves.com, Facebook (www.facebook.com/lovestravelstops), or follow @LovesTravelStop on Twitter.