These aren’t your Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots from the 1970s. With LED lights, a mirrored battle cage, and remote controls, you battle with your robot until only one is left standing. It’s all part of the 4th annual Night at the Museum this Saturday, September 7th. This adults-only event celebrates science with a night of food, drinks, exploration, and discovery. Guests will have the chance to fight zombies in virtual reality, take a ride on a bike suspended three stories in the air, dig for diamonds or the ultimate Missouri State fan’s package in the dinosaur pit, navigate drones through an obstacle course, use a robotic arm like it’s part of a claw game to pick a prize, enjoy cocktails—and much, much more—all while providing critical funding for the Discovery Center’s STEM Education for All program.
Last year, over 200 guests explored 60,000 square feet of exhibits and experienced new STEM technology like 3D printers and virtual reality goggles. This year, organizers anticipate selling out the event with 500 guests.
“The beautiful thing about only letting adults come to this event is that it makes sure everyone gets an excuse to explore and support their local science center,” said Rob Blevins, Executive Director of the Discovery Center. “It amazes some people when I say this, but you don’t need to have kids to visit or enjoy the Discovery Center. It’s true that we’re vital to education, youth development, workforce development in Southwest Missouri, so I do understand why adults sometimes forget that they are still allowed to love science and be lifelong learners here. From our perspective, having adults in the museum learning about our mission and how we’re one of the best in the nation when it comes to delivering on our mission’s promise means that we can get more supporters, more advocates, more partnership, and do more good for kids right here in the Ozarks.”
Night at the Museum is sponsored by American National Insurance, BKD, BRP Architects, Civil Kitchen, Charlie & Mary Beth O’Reilly Family Foundation, CoxHealth, Dr. Lehman and Mrs. Elizabeth Godwin, Justice Jewelers, Saunny and Tom Lynch, Mattax Neu Prater Eye Center, Mediacom, 92.9 The Beat, Old Missouri Bank, Dr. Kelley O’Reilly, O’Reilly Auto Parts, and Positronic.
General admission tickets are only $50 and include all food and drinks. VIP tickets sold out in mid-August, but VIP attendees will get access to a special cocktail from Civil Kitchen called the Mysterita (color changing, science-themed drink) and live music by local favorite and Discovery Center Board Member David Hinson. To purchase tickets, visit www.discoverycenter.org/NATM or call 417-862-9910.