BENTONVILLE -- Construction on Amazeum should be "dried in" by the end of this month, according to officials.
"Dried in" is a construction term used to signify the building shell is complete enough to keep out weather elements such as wind, rain and snow.
At A Glance
Amazeum
The Amazeum is was designed by Haizlip Studio and is being built by Nabholz Construction. Follow the construction progression of the interactive family museum at www.amazeum.org.
Source: Staff Report
At A Glance
Memberships Available
Amazeum memberships are on sale. There are four levels that are offered ranging from $95 for the Family Level to $1,000 for the Explore Level. All levels offer unlimited free admission.
Amazeum members also get free admission to other Association of Science-Technology Centers and will be invited to a members-only preview of Amazeum before its opening in the second part of 2015.
Memberships can be bought online at www.amazeum.org or at 209 N.E. 2nd St.
For more information, email Amy Stockton at [email protected]….
Source: Staff Report
Some City Council members saw the facility's progress during a tour Friday.
"You can't talk about the building without talking about the site," said Bob Kohler, Amazeum owner's representative.
The 44,500-square-foot museum is being built at 1009 Museum Way. It neighbors Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and First Presbyterian Church and is across the street from Orchards Park and a residential neighborhood.
The architecture isn't overshadowing, but it's not plain either, Kohler said.
"We're right in the middle of being a sophisticated, civic-type building, but with some playfulness to it," he said.
Kohler highlighted the punch-out windows, the roof's curve, zinc cladding and orange accent color as some aspects that give the building a playful feel.
There are nine miles of pipe under where the parking lot will be, leading into a geothermal heating and cooling system in the building, said Sam Dean, executive director, as he cited the commitment to sustainability.
The entryway will have a lobby, store, a food "recharge zone" and some exhibits.
"It sets the tone for what's going to happen in the museum," Dean said.
A hallway leads to Innovation Alley, which will consist of an art studio, the Hershey Lab and Tinkering Studio. Beyond that will be the Town Square, a central gathering point for the exhibit hall. The Hershey Lab is being done in partnership with Hershey Company.
Main Street will be to the left and include an adapted Neighborhood Market where children can role play, Dean said. Amazeum officials are working with Walmart on that exhibit.
The Lift, Load and Haul exhibit is being constructed, with the support of General Mills, to the right of where Town Square will be. The front cab of a semi truck already is in place with part of the exhibit's multi-level skeletal structure, which leads to a cargo container that has been positioned on the exhibit's second level.
It will be used as a bridge to connect to another exhibit, Dean said.
Past Town Square will be the Tree Canopy both children and adults can climb. The cave exhibit below it is starting to take shape. Both exhibits highlight a sense of place and that Arkansas is the Natural State, Dean said.
To the right of them will be the water area where there will be water tables, a rain wall and blowers where patrons can get dry. The water used will be recirculated, Dean said.
General Mills is sponsoring the water area.
There also will be a Cloud Theater that will be a quiet place, Dean said. It was inspired by the Skyspace at Crystal Bridges.
Amazeum officials are also working with Nickelodeon to create a "collaborative social play" exhibit.
There will also be a 3,000-square-foot traveling exhibit space on the ground floor where new experiences will be brought in regularly, Dean said.
The Learning Lofts upstairs have their basic shape. They were added to the building's design after conversations with the Advertising and Promotions Commission regarding possible meeting space, Dean said.
There are two holes in the wall where windows will be installed so people can view what is happening below in the exhibit hall.
"Here's a chance to talk about innovation, talk about creativity with companies, school districts and families," Dean said.
The space is expected to hold 48 people in one area and 40 in another in a round-table setting, according to Dean. There could be more in a lecture-style setting.
The 40-minute tour concluded upstairs.
"Appropriately named. It's pretty amazing," said James Smith, Ward 3, Position 1 alderman.
Chris Sooter, Ward 2, Position 2 alderman, said he was impressed with the architecture and the exhibits. Officials have done a great job with partnering with companies to create exhibits that people can identify with and provide that sense of place of Northwest Arkansas, he said.
"I think it's going to be really unique and a really great experience for people," he said.
Amazeum is scheduled to open the second half of 2015.
NW News on 12/13/2014