DALLAS -- The Perot Museum of Nature and Science, the $185 million architectural adventure going up alongside the Woodall Rogers Freeway near downtown Dallas, will make its public debut Dec. 1, several weeks ahead of its original January 2013 opening date.
The announcement was made Thursday at a media walk-through of the lobby and some of the outside grounds.The ultra-modern, 180,000-square foot, five-story silver cube with its textured "skin," designed by architect Thom Mayne and his Santa Monica, Calif.-company, Morphosis Architects, will feature 11 exhibit halls including a children's museum, a one-acre science park dotted with musical instruments, giant leap frogs, and water features, and a 297-seat, large-screen theater capable of showing both 2D and 3D films."The building houses exhibits but it is an exhibit in itself," said Dan Kohl, the museum's vice-president of innovation.One of the first exhibits will be one called "Building the Building," showcasing how the project came together.As to what the Perot Museum will house, chief executive officer Nicole G. Small expects it to whip up interest in science and technology, especially among children. "It can improve science on a local and national level," she said.She also said that visitors won't have to purchase a ticket to visit the lobby, containing a giant malawisaurus fossil skeleton, or the Wi-fi ready outdoor areas.Parts of Dallas' current science museum, the Museum of Nature and Science in Fair Park, will remain open though some of its exhibits will be in the new facility.The museum, located in Victory Park near the House of Blues, will be open every day of the year except Thanksgiving and Christmas day. Hours will be Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sundays noon-5 p.m. Admission will be $15 adults, $12 students (ages 12-17) and seniors (65+), and $10 children. Tickets go on sale Oct. 2.For more information, go to perotmuseum.orgCary Darling, 817-390-7571Twitter: carydarHave more to add? News tip? Tell us
