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Science City Roars Back and Welcomes 200,000th Annual Guest, Putting It On Pace To Meet or Beat Pre-Pandemic Attendance Successes

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Science City Roars Back and Welcomes 200,000th Annual Guest

 

Plus, Families across Kansas City name Science City “Best Family Fun Center”

KANSAS CITY, MO – August 8, 2022 – Union Station officials announced this morning that Science City – powered by Burns & McDonnell – welcomed its 200,000th guest for 2022 shortly after opening for the day. This puts the internationally-awarded attraction on pace to meet or beat record-setting 2019 pre-pandemic attendance numbers.

“We’re so excited to be here today,” Ashlie Smith, Science City’s 200,000th annual guest, said. “We had no idea we’d be included in this celebration. We’re from Lee’s Summit and haven’t been to Science City in about 5 years. As soon as we arrived, we could see there’s so much new. We’ll be here for the whole day. Our group of family and friends can’t wait to start exploring. Thank you for such a wonderful surprise!”

Unique and engaging exhibits, monthly themed programming, and substantial support from community partners has been instrumental to the success of Science City. And all of this happened on the heels of Science City recently being awarded “Best Family Fun Center” by Kansas City Magazine readers.

“We are extremely proud of our powerful community partnerships,” George Guastello, Union Station president and CEO, said. “With Burns & McDonnell’s long-standing lead commitment – as well as critical support from PNC, MRI Global, and dozens of other businesses, foundations and individuals – Science City is soaring to heights hard to imagine. We are inspiring eager, young learners with fun, hands-on encounters with the amazing world of science, technology, engineering and math. You can feel their energy and excitement. You can see their smiles during moments of discovery. And the differences our destination and professional teams are making are truly remarkable. Today is really meaningful on so many levels.”

Awards and recognition are nothing new for Science City, but to roar back so strong and quickly from the setbacks that Covid caused has been particularly rewarding for the entire Union Station and Science City teams.

“These most recent milestone events and recognitions are great achievements, and validate the hard work and dedication of our Science City team,” Dennise Day, Director of Science City said. “I’m honored to work alongside a team of wildly talented individuals. With their knowledge, creativity and commitment, we’re able to provide world-class, hands-on programming that rivals any science center in the country. And that’s only one of the many reasons our guests keep coming back time and time again.”

With over 100,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space and over 300 interactive exhibitions, there’s something for everyone at Science City. In the last two years alone, Science City has opened three new spaces dedicated to early learners as well as the all-new exhibit, “Step Right Up,” designed by students from Tonganoxie Middle School and built by Burns & McDonnell as part of their Battle of the Brains program.

Science City is open Monday through Saturday from 10 am – 5 pm, and Sunday from 12 – 5 pm. Union Station Members visit Science City for free year-round. For more information, or to purchase tickets visit Sciencecity.com.

Media photos for use click here.

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ABOUT Union Station Kansas City — a 501(c)3 non-profit organization — is a 107-year-old historical landmark and celebrated civic asset renovated and reopened to the public in 1999. Recently awarded “Favorite Attraction”, “Favorite Family-Friendly Attraction” and “Favorite Historic Attraction”, the organization — dedicated to science education, celebration of community and preservation of history — is home to Kansas City’s internationally-awarded Science City; the new Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium; the Regnier Extreme Screen Theatre; the popular Model Railroad Experience; City Stage featuring live theater, and a selection of unique shops and restaurants. Union Station is also home to prominent area civic organizations and businesses, and regularly hosts world-class traveling exhibitions. Awarded “Top Banquet Facilities in KC” by KC Business Journal, the facility annually hosts hundreds of community events and private celebrations of all sizes. Visit WWW.UNIONSTATION.ORG for details. Also, follow us on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM, and YOUTUBE.