The long-awaited MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation, will open its doors to all on Saturday, February 25. The opening of Santa Barbara’s newest hands-on science and technology museum represents the culmination of more than 25 years of work by community volunteers to bring such an experience to the region. MOXI expects to attract more than 100,000 guests in its first year including area residents, tourists from around the world and approximately 15,000 area school children.

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MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation, is a hands-on science and technology museum sched ...

MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation, is a hands-on science and technology museum scheduled to open February 25 in Santa Barbara, California. (Photo: Business Wire)

“The entire MOXI team is so excited to open our doors and welcome guests to explore, discover and play. No matter your age, abilities, background, or interest in science, you will find something, hopefully many things, that you will love about MOXI,” said Steve Hinkley, president and CEO of MOXI. “MOXI is a place where we promote creative thinking, collaboration, experimentation, hands-on learning and fun.”

Situated between the train tracks and the beach on the edge of the Funk Zone, MOXI brings new life to lower State Street on a formerly vacant lot. What guests will notice first is the strikingly beautiful building designed by the late Berry Berkus, and seen through to completion by AB Design Studio. The whitewash walls and red tile of the lookout tower complement Santa Barbara’s signature Spanish Colonial style while the wavy lines and sea-inspired light fixtures and sea glass tile accents add a touch of playfulness and pay homage to the nearby Pacific Ocean.

Inside the building, more than 17,000 square feet of exhibit space awaits guests. The museum’s three floors are filled with interactive exhibits and experiences grouped into seven broad topic areas called Tracks. On the first floor, there are the areas dedicated to Sound, Fantastic Forces and Tech, including MOXI’s own dedicated makerspace called the Innovation Workshop. The second floor features Light, Speed and Interactive Media, including a small black box theater that will house rotating exhibitions and shows. The first installation comes from UCSB’s AlloSphere Research Group, a program of the university’s Media Arts Technology department. The third floor is home to the rooftop Levinson Family Sky Garden and features exhibits that take advantage of the natural elements and stunning views of the mountains, harbor, and Stearns Wharf.

Each Track has a series of interactive exhibits that encourage open-ended discovery, analytical assessment, experimentation, play and just plain fun. For example, in the Muller Family Sound Track, the front of the space is marked by a 24’ long, and 8’ tall Giant Guitar that guests can step inside to learn about how instruments produce different sounds. Also in the Sound Track, guests can get a taste of Hollywood magic by stepping into the “Foley Studios,” professional-quality sound booths where they are challenged to create the sound effects for popular Fox Studios film clips. Upstairs, in the Muzzy Family Speed Track, kids and kids at heart will gravitate towards “Build It, Test It, Race It,” an experience reminiscent of pinewood derby infused with some new technology. Finally, from the rooftop’s Towbes Family Lookout Tower, guests will enjoy an entirely new way of looking at the city around them through a series of five scopes – a traditional telescope, a heat-sensing thermal imaging lens, a kaleidoscope, a periscope and a LIDAR speed- and distance-detecting device.

The museum has a staff of more than 40 full- and part-time employees as well as nearly 100 volunteers. Guests will interact most with MOXI’s floor staff known as Sparks. “MOXI Sparks ignite learning by sparking curiosity and creativity,” said Ron Skinner, director of education for MOXI. “The Sparks engage with MOXI guests through hands-on exhibits, activities, demonstrations, challenges and games, encouraging guests to experiment, observe, explore, discover, question, make, and design.”

MOXI will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with early-entry at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesdays and Saturdays for its members. General admission is $14 for adults (guests age 13 and up), and $10 for children age 3-12. Children 2 and under are admitted for free. Members also get in free. One ticket gets you access to all MOXI has to offer. MOXI offers a variety of membership options starting at $90 for an individual and $130 for a family.

MOXI is also available for rent as a private event venue. In addition to boasting one of Santa Barbara’s most beautiful views from its rooftop – with a nearly 360 view from the mountains of the Riviera to the waters of the nearby wharf and harbor areas – a private event at MOXI grants you access to all the exhibit areas as well, for what is sure to be one unforgettable party.

Throughout its development, MOXI has forged partnerships with area schools, businesses and other nonprofits. After opening, guests will begin to see these partnerships in action from spotlights on area businesses and students on the Innovation Wall display to curriculum-aligned field trip programs. MOXI will also offer after school classes, summer camps and mobile outreach for area children. Additionally, quarterly after hours events will transform the typical museum experience into a themed night out just for adults.

MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation is a 21st century museum dedicated to igniting learning through interactive experiences in science and creativity. Located in the heart of Santa Barbara’s redeveloped tourist area at 125 State Street, it will be the county’s first LEED-certified museum serving children of all ages as well as lifelong learners. The museum’s interactive exhibits, designed by award-winning museum planning firm Gyroscope, Inc. align with the national agenda to boost student achievement in math and science. MOXI is in the final stage of a $25 million capital campaign to fund the building, exhibits and an endowment for the future. For more information on how to donate or get involved, contact MOXI at 805-708-2282, info@moxi.org or visit moxi.org.