Mayborn Museum Celebrates 15th Birthday with Launch of “Be the Astronaut” Exhibit

Media Contact: Terry Goodrich, Baylor University Media and Public Relations, 254-710-3321
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by Brooke Hill, student newswriter

WACO, Texas (May 24, 2019) — “Be the Astronaut,” a space exhibit designed by NASA engineers, is coming to Baylor University’s Mayborn Museum Complex starting Saturday, May 25 – just in time for the museum’s 15th birthday.
The exhibit aims to put students in the pilot’s seat of a spaceship and teaches STEM-based content via state-of-the art video game technology that takes visitors to one of three locations: Jupiter, Mars or the moon. The first 300 visitors will receive a free “galaxy” donut from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday. Museum members are invited for a “sneak peek” at 9 a.m., and the exhibit opens to the general public at 10 a.m.

“This exhibit is designed to not only educate visitors on the reality and challenges of space travel, but to hopefully inspire a new crop of budding scientists to consider viable career paths in science and technology-related fields that will help shape our nation’s future,” said Charles Walter, director of the Mayborn Museum.

The Mayborn Museum, which is designed for visitors of all ages, is in the midst of a $1.2 million renovation of part of the Jeanes Discovery Center. This new gallery will continue to provide the hands-on learning experiences that are integral to the Mayborn, including a new water table and honeycomb climber, while also highlighting the local Central Texas ecosystems and making connections to current Baylor University research.

“We are ecstatic to celebrate our 15 years as a leading attraction in the Waco area,” Walter said. “Not only are we anticipating almost 200,000 visitors this year, but we are proud to be known as a premier museum, which not only preserves our community’s heritage, but makes it available to visitors and inspires children to be more excited about learning.”

The museum frequently changes exhibits so there is always something to entertain, inspire and enlighten throughout the year, said Rebecca Nall, assistant director of exhibits, communication, and visitor services at the Mayborn Museum.

“We hope to continue to grow and remain a community resource, a place to spark an interest in new knowledge, a place that encourages life-long learning,” Nall said.
“Be the Astronaut” will be open through Sept. 8. Entry into the exhibit is included with general museum admission. Tickets are free for Baylor students and members, while tickets for non-members are $8 for adults, $6 for children 2 to 12, and $7 for seniors. The museum is located at 1300 S. University Parks Drive. The museum’s hours are: Monday through Wednesday and Friday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information, visit www.baylor.edu/mayborn.

ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY
Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked research institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for more than 17,000 students by blending
interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 90 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions.

ABOUT THE MAYBORN MUSEUM COMPLEX AT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY
The Mayborn Museum Complex celebrates the natural science and cultural history of Central Texas. This 143,000-square-foot building on the Baylor University campus sparkles with numerous vibrant exhibits and compelling hands-on activities for the whole family to enjoy over and over again. For more information, visit www.baylor.edu/mayborn.