Exploration Place

What Exploration Place does

Exploration Place is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit science center founded in April 2000 and headquartered on a 20-acre riverfront campus at 300 N. McLean Blvd., Wichita, Kansas, where it operates as the official Sedgwick County Science and Discovery Center. Its core offerings include permanent and traveling interactive exhibits, a Dome Theater with 4K 360-degree projection on a 60-foot screen, daily live science demonstrations, laser shows, sensory-inclusive programming through a KultureCity partnership, and a newly completed 1,500-capacity Wichita Foundation Amphitheater and 6.5-acre Adventure Playscape with ten Kansas-themed zones. Signature annual events include the Drone Light Festival (500 synchronized drones with pyro technology, September 2026), the Death by Chocolate and Elemental fundraisers, the free Levitt Vibe Concert Series, RiverFlix outdoor movies, Shakespeare in the Park, and Fiesta Hispana, alongside K-12 field trips, summer camps, and outreach to hospitalized children and English learners.

The organization serves a diversified visitor mix of families with children, school groups (including 9,256 Title 1 students receiving free field trips), community event attendees, wedding and corporate event renters, and free-admission program users (26,361 individuals via Museums for All and library passes). Revenue is generated through admission tickets, multi-tier annual memberships with reciprocal access to 300+ science museums, facility and event rentals across multiple indoor and outdoor venues, food and retail (including the Graze restaurant and Explore Store), corporate sponsorships (Cox, Textron Aviation), and tax-deductible donations channeled into the Explorer Society ($1,000+) and Voyager Society ($2,500) donor tiers. The $22-25 million EP2 Initiative was completed on May 14, 2026, with major philanthropic support from the Junior League of Wichita ($2 million), Koch Inc. ($1 million), Bank of America, the Rotary Club of Wichita, and others.

Exploration Place distributes through its own website (exploration.org), the Veevart ticketing and donation platforms, on-site box office, group sales for schools and field trips, a dedicated event-rental sales team, and earned media through regional outlets including the Wichita Eagle, KAKE, KWCH, KSN and Visit Wichita. Leadership is headed by President and CEO Adam Smith, with Laura Roddy as Vice President for Advancement, Kimberly Cronister as EP2 Campaign Director, and Gayle Malone as Board Chair. The organization projects that EP2 completion will drive annual visitors from 403,543 (2023) to approximately 1 million and annual economic impact from $21 million to $66.7 million.

Name

Exploration Place

Legal name

Exploration Place

Website

https://exploration.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2000

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Exploration Place is a nonprofit science center in Wichita, Kansas, operating as the Sedgwick County Science and Discovery Center on a 20-acre Arkansas River campus. It serves families, K-12 schools, and event clients through interactive exhibits, a Dome Theater, the 6.5-acre Adventure Playscape, and signature events like the Drone Light Festival.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Science Museum Education

NAICS

Museums (712110), Museums (71211), Amusement Parks and Arcades (7131)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900), Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997)

akta.pro primary industry

Science & Technology Museums (THAJADAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Educational & Edutainment Parks (Science/Discovery/Children’s Parks) (THAJAEAG), Performing Arts & Cultural Event Venues (Theaters, Museums) (THAHAAAG), Hands-on Science Exploration & Experiments (Lab Kits, Science Clubs) (EDAMABAA)

Keywords

• Science museum exhibits
• Interactive STEM education
• Live science demonstrations
• Digital dome theater
• Event venue rentals

Headquarters

HQ city

Wichita

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Admission Tickets: Visitors pay per-entry admission to access the museum, exhibits, dome theater, and special exhibitions. Individual tickets, family passes, and carload options available for events.
2. Memberships: Annual membership programs offering unlimited visits, free reciprocal admission to 300+ science museums, member-only early access, discounts, and exclusive events. Multiple tiers including Explorer Society ($1,000+) and Voyager Society ($2,500+).
3. Facility and Event Rentals: Revenue from renting various venues including WaterWay Hall, Explorer Room, Exhibit Building, Adventure Playscape, Wichita Foundation Amphitheater, Dome Theater, and full museum rentals for weddings, corporate events, and private events.
4. Donations and Charitable Contributions: Tax-deductible donations from individuals, corporations, and foundations supporting STEM For All initiatives, Explorer Society patron program, Voyager Society leadership gifts, and general operations as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
5. Sponsorships: Corporate sponsorships for events (Drone Light Festival presented by Cox), naming rights (Textron Aviation Flight Adventure), and capital campaigns (EP2 Initiative).
6. Concessions and Retail: Food and beverage sales through Graze restaurant, food trucks at events, and merchandise from the Explore Store.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Exploration Place presents permanent and rotating interactive science exhibits, live science demonstrations, Dome Theater and laser shows, the Adventure Playscape, and STEM programs such as camps and field trips. It also sells memberships and rents its museum, theaters, halls, and amphitheater for weddings, corporate events, and community gatherings.

Product overview

Exploration Place is Kansas' premier science center offering a unified portfolio of interactive museum experiences and public programming. Core offerings include permanent and traveling museum exhibits, the Dome Theater with 4K 360-degree projection, live science shows, laser shows, and the recently opened 6-acre Adventure Playscape. The venue hosts signature special events including the annual Drone Light Festival, Levitt Vibe Concert Series, RiverFlix outdoor movies, Shakespeare in the Park, Fiesta Hispana, and the Death by Chocolate fundraiser. Educational programs encompass summer camps, field trips, and science fairs. The facility includes multiple event venues for rent including the 1,500-capacity Wichita Foundation Amphitheater, and offers memberships with reciprocal admission to 300+ science museums. The EP2 Initiative expansion added the Adventure Playscape and amphitheater to transform the 20-acre riverfront property into a destination expected to draw 1 million visitors annually.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Museum Exhibits Permanent and rotating science exhibits covering topics including aerospace, health habits, Kansas geography, and Kansas history through hands-on interactive experiences for all ages.
• Dome Theater A 360-degree theater with a 60-foot screen, 4K projection, and surround sound that presents films, laser shows, and special presentations.
• Live Science Shows Interactive science demonstrations performed multiple times daily in the Kemper Theater, including shows such as Pressures of the Deep that run for 20–30 minutes and are suitable for all ages.
• Laser Shows Music-choreographed laser presentations in the Dome Theater, including KPop Demon Hunters and Pink Floyd tribute programs.
• Adventure Playscape A six-acre outdoor destination playscape with 10 themed areas, including Textron Aviation Flight Adventure, Junior League Water Play Cascades, and Sunflower Meadow, for visitors from toddlers to teens.
• Education Programs STEM educational offerings for students, including summer camps, field trips, and science and engineering fair programs.
• Museum Memberships Annual museum membership providing unlimited visits, exhibit access, Dome films, laser shows, live science shows, a free guest per visit, discounts, exclusive events, early entry, and reciprocal admission to 300+ science museums.
• Event Venue Rentals Rental of WaterWay Hall, the Explorer Room, Dome Theater, Kemper Theater, Discovery Rooms, the Wichita Foundation Amphitheater, and the full museum for weddings, corporate events, and private or community gatherings.
• Finding Titanic: The Secret Mission A traveling exhibit about Dr. Robert Ballard's discovery of the Titanic, featuring hands-on STEM activities, authentic artifacts, declassified footage, and interactive stations about Cold War naval technology and deep-sea exploration.

Quantifiable outcome

• 403,543 annual visitors in 2023, projected to grow to 1 million with EP2 expansion
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• Levitt Family FoundationflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 August 2026Three-year grant funding a free fall concert series at the Wichita Foundation Amphitheater, featuring eight touring artists and celebrating Wichita's electric guitar heritage. Expected to significantly increase annual visitors and economic impact.
• Sedgwick CountyflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerExploration Place is recognized as the Sedgwick County Science and Discovery Center through an official partnership. The county provides operational support and funding, positioning the museum as a regional asset serving the county's residents and visitors.
• City of WichitacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe City of Wichita provides funding for general operational support, acknowledging the museum's role in the community and its contribution to quality of life and tourism in Wichita.
• Kansas All-Star Scholars FundminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThrough this fund, Exploration Place educators deliver 28 science lessons annually to 44 elementary school classrooms in Sumner County, expanding the museum's educational reach beyond Wichita.
• University of Kansas School of Medicine-WichitacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPresenting sponsor of the Health Inside Out gallery, which promotes healthy behaviors and healthcare workforce development, combining medical education with museum programming.
• Cox CommunicationsflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor of the Drone Light Festival, one of Exploration Place's signature annual events featuring 500 synchronized drones and pyro drone technology.
• Textron AviationflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerNaming sponsor of the Textron Aviation Flight Adventure, the centerpiece attraction of the Adventure Playscape featuring a Beechcraft Staggerwing biplane structure and explorable Cessna Citation business jet. Represents significant investment in Wichita's aviation heritage.
• Junior League of WichitaflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner$2 million gift to fund the Water Play Cascades, a centerpiece of the destination playscape. Gift commemorated the organization's 100th anniversary in 2025 with contributions from over 200 individuals.
• Rotary Club of WichitacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSponsor of the Sunflower Meadow playground area, one of ten themed zones in the Adventure Playscape exploring the life cycle of sunflowers for children ages 2-5.
• Bank of AmericaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupports new prairie plantings garden at Exploration Place as part of the EP2 expansion project.
• KultureCitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to create a sensory-inclusive environment, providing sensory bags, quiet spaces, and staff training to accommodate guests with sensory sensitivities.
• Dillons (Kroger)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunity Rewards program partner allowing shoppers to designate Exploration Place as their nonprofit, with the organization receiving rewards from qualifying purchases.
• Hoerr Schaudt Landscape ArchitectscoreTechnology or IntegrationLead landscape architects for the Adventure Playscape design, responsible for master planning the 6.5-acre outdoor exhibit space.
• Monstrum (Denmark)coreTechnology or IntegrationPlay equipment manufacturer for key playscape elements including the Textron Aviation Flight Adventure structures and Sunflower Meadow features.

Scale indicators16 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Science Museum of Minnesota: Large Midwestern science museum with permanent and traveling exhibits, dome/IMAX theater, and extensive educational outreach. Highly comparable operating model to Exploration Place at substantially larger scale.
• Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI): Science center with hands-on exhibits, OMNIMAX theater, and robust educational programming. Comparable to Exploration Place in mix of museum, theater, and educational mission.
• COSI (Center of Science and Industry): Midwest science center with interactive exhibits, dome theater, and major membership programs. Similar urban-anchor science center model with strong educational mission.
• Explora: Albuquerque-based interactive science center with hands-on exhibits and educational programming. Closest scale and operating model peer to Exploration Place.
• Discovery World: Milwaukee science and technology center with interactive exhibits and lake-front programming. Similar urban-waterfront science center model and exhibit-driven revenue mix.
• Great Lakes Science Center: Cleveland-based science center with dome theater, traveling exhibits, and educational outreach. Comparable scale and Midwest positioning to Exploration Place.

Regional players

• Science City at Union Station: Kansas City science center in the same Midwestern region; competes for the same Kansas City-area family market and serves as Exploration Place's nearest regional direct competitor.
• Sedgwick County Zoo: Wichita's other major family/admissions attraction. Competes for local family discretionary spending and tourism dollars within the same regional market.

Broad incumbents

• Pacific Science Center: Long-established Seattle science center with multiple theater formats, traveling exhibits, and signature events. Comparable mission and revenue mix at a larger scale.
• Museum of Science and Industry (Chicago): America's largest science museum. Overlaps in interactive exhibits and educational mission but operates at a much larger scale and broader scope.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@ExplorationPlace
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/exploration-place

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Exploration Place