BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Thursday, Explore & More- The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Children's Museum allowed for the first sneak peak of the new facility for play. The four story building is situated beneath the skyway and is a 43,000 square-foot upgrade from the previous Explore & More in East Aurora.
Explore & More features countless exhibits and hands-on educational experiences including the "Tinkering Tank," a hospital and a rooftop garden among many others. It hopes to hold up to 800 children at once and is expecting an opening rush, which is why it plans to roll out time tickets to make sure everyone has the chance to enjoy the museum to its full potential.
“My audience is my little guys and that’s who I need to please first," Michelle Urbanczyk said, CEO of Explore & More. “We’re a player, in terms of, we’ve been asked to play on the playground and we’re so excited to be here. We’ve brought our toys is what I like to say.”
The building's title is dedicated in honor of the late Buffalo Bills owner, Ralph C. Wilson Jr.
“I’m so excited that Ralph is now part of a different playing field here now," Mary Wilson, widow of Ralph Wilson Jr., said. “Thank you for putting his name on it and thank you for continuing to embrace Ralph.”
Explore & More is expected to bring in more than a $200 million impact over the next 10 years. Various exhibits are still under construction, Explore & More is expected to open sometime towards the end of May. A family membership (up to six people) costs $125 and will grant you access to many children's museums across the country. One-time admission per person is $11.
