Key Takeaways
- ExplorationWorks in Helena has unveiled two major new attractions: the immersive Anywhere Room and the interactive Grossology exhibit.
- The Anywhere Room uses cutting‑edge projection technology to surround visitors with 360° visuals—no headsets required—offering virtual journeys from outer space to the Serengeti and a Santa Monica roller coaster.
- Funding for the Anywhere Room came from generous donations and represents the museum’s largest single investment to date, following a seven‑year renovation of the upstairs deck.
- Program Director Sara O’Reilly emphasizes that the room is the first of its kind in the Pacific Northwest for educational purposes, marking a significant milestone for regional STEM learning.
- Grossology, based on Sylvia Branzei’s popular book and developed with Advanced Exhibits, LLC, explores the “impolite” science of the human body through slimy, stinky, and surprising displays, featuring a large animatronic built by the same team behind the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
- Exhibits and Facilities Director Matt Jetty praises Grossology for being funny, engaging, bright, and memorable, predicting it will leave a lasting impression on young visitors.
- The Grossology exhibit opened to the public on Saturday, May 16 and will remain on display through August, providing a summer‑long opportunity for families to explore biology in a fun way.
- Both attractions reflect ExplorationWorks’ commitment to blending high‑tech immersion with hands‑on, inquiry‑based learning to inspire curiosity across age groups.
- Community support and partnerships were essential in bringing these projects to fruition, showcasing the power of local philanthropy and collaboration with industry experts.
- Visitors are encouraged to experience the new offerings firsthand, as they represent a bold step forward for science education in Helena and the broader Montana region.
Overview of ExplorationWorks’ Recent Developments
ExplorationWorks, Helena’s premier science museum, has recently expanded its offerings with two standout additions that aim to engage visitors of all ages. The museum, long dedicated to making science accessible and exciting, has invested heavily in modernizing its spaces and programming. These new installations— the Anywhere Room and the Grossology exhibit—illustrate the institution’s strategy of combining immersive technology with playful, hands‑on learning to foster a deeper appreciation for STEM subjects. By continually refreshing its exhibits, ExplorationWorks seeks to remain a vital community hub where curiosity is nurtured and scientific literacy is promoted.
The Anywhere Room: An Immersive Projection Experience
At the heart of the museum’s upstairs renovation lies the Anywhere Room, a state‑of‑the‑art environment that surrounds visitors with seamless, 360° visual projections. Unlike virtual reality setups that require headsets or handheld controllers, this room relies solely on advanced projection mapping to create the sensation of being transported to another place. Guests can find themselves floating among stars, trekking across the African Serengeti, or screaming down a roller coaster in Santa Monica, all without wearing any special equipment. The technology creates a fully immersive backdrop that responds to the room’s layout, allowing multiple visitors to share the experience simultaneously.
Funding and Development of the Anywhere Room
The realization of the Anywhere Room was made possible through a series of generous donations from local benefactors, foundations, and corporate partners. Museum officials describe it as the largest single investment ExplorationWorks has ever undertaken, reflecting both the scale of the technology involved and the ambition behind the project. Over the past seven years, the museum’s upstairs deck underwent extensive renovation to accommodate the intricate projection infrastructure, including high‑resolution projectors, sound systems, and computer controls. The lengthy timeline underscores the complexity of integrating such cutting‑edge audiovisual equipment into a historic building while ensuring safety, accessibility, and ease of use for the public.
Staff Perspective: Sara O’Reilly on the Anywhere Room’s Impact
Program Director Sara O’Reilly expressed enthusiasm about the Anywhere Room’s debut, calling it “incredible” and highlighting its educational significance. She noted that the room represents the first installation of its kind in the Pacific Northwest specifically designed for learning environments, positioning ExplorationWorks as a regional leader in innovative science education. O’Reilly emphasized that the culmination of years of planning, fundraising, and construction now allows Helena residents—and visitors from beyond—to experience a truly unique educational tool that sparks wonder and encourages inquiry into topics ranging from astronomy to ecology.
Introducing the Grossology Exhibit
Complementing the high‑tech Anywhere Room is the new summer exhibit, Grossology: The (Impolite) Science of the Human Body. Based on the popular children’s book by Sylvia Branzei, the exhibit was developed in partnership with Advanced Exhibits, LLC, a firm known for creating engaging, interactive museum installations. Grossology takes a lighthearted yet scientifically accurate approach to exploring the bodily functions that are often considered impolite—such as mucus production, flatulence, and sweat—turning them into opportunities for learning and laughter. The exhibit’s design blends vibrant colors, tactile elements, and humorous storytelling to capture the attention of young audiences while delivering substantive biological concepts.
Features and Highlights of Grossology
A centerpiece of the Grossology exhibit is a large animatronic figure that demonstrates various bodily processes in vivid, exaggerated detail. This animatronic was crafted by the same artisans who built the renowned figures for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios, ensuring a high level of realism and expressive movement. Visitors can interact with stations that simulate sneezing, explore the digestive tract through crawl‑through tunnels, and test their knowledge with quizzes about the immune system. The exhibit’s “impolite” framing demystifies topics that might otherwise be awkward, making science approachable and memorable for children and adults alike.
Reaction from Exhibits and Facilities Director Matt Jetty
Matt Jetty, the museum’s Exhibits and Facilities Director, shared his enthusiasm for Grossology, describing it as “probably the best exhibit I’ve seen in ExplorationWorks since I started eight years ago.” He praised the exhibit’s balance of humor, interactivity, and educational value, noting its bright, colorful aesthetic and its ability to stick in kids’ minds long after they leave. Jetty’s endorsement underscores the museum’s goal of creating experiences that are not only informative but also genuinely enjoyable, thereby encouraging repeat visits and word‑of‑mouth promotion among families.
Logistics: Opening Dates and Visitor Information
The Grossology exhibit opened to the public on Saturday, May 16 and will remain on display through August, providing a ample window for summer tourists, school groups, and local families to explore. The Anywhere Room is now a permanent fixture on the museum’s upstairs deck, accessible during regular operating hours. Admission details, ticket prices, and any special programming—such as guided tours or workshop sessions—can be found on ExplorationWorks’ website or by contacting the museum directly. Visitors are advised to allocate sufficient time to enjoy both attractions fully, as each offers a distinct mode of engagement with scientific concepts.
Broader Significance for Helena and STEM Education
Together, the Anywhere Room and Grossology represent a strategic shift toward integrating immersive technology with playful, tactile learning experiences. For Helena, these additions enhance the city’s cultural and educational offerings, positioning it as a destination for innovative science tourism. The projects also serve as a model for other regional museums seeking to leverage donor support, industry partnerships, and cutting‑edge media to expand their educational impact. By appealing to multiple senses and learning styles, ExplorationWorks aims to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and critical thinkers, reinforcing the importance of STEM literacy in an increasingly complex world.
Conclusion: An Invitation to Explore
ExplorationWorks’ latest offerings invite the public to step beyond traditional museum walls and into worlds of imagination and discovery. Whether soaring through virtual landscapes in the Anywhere Room or giggling at the quirky realities of human biology in Grossology, visitors of all ages are sure to leave with a renewed sense of wonder. The museum encourages everyone to experience these new exhibits firsthand, to share the adventure with friends and family, and to continue supporting the vibrant community of curiosity that makes Helena a unique hub for scientific exploration.