The Time for Boldness Has Come Again

Exploration Place represents a bold vision and the collective will to unite and harness world-class excellence right here in Wichita. For more than 20 years, Exploration Place has stood as a wonder that inspires a deeper interest in science and technology through creative and fun experiences for all.

Today, the time for boldness has come again. It is time to remake and reimagine the landscape surrounding Exploration Place. It is time to bring new experiences to Wichita that will inspire the people of our great city for years to come. The EP2 Initiative, which includes a 1,500-capacity riverfront amphitheater and 6-acre destination playscape, will transform the museum’s 20-acre riverfront property into a world-class educational attraction that draws more than 1 million visitors per year.

Do you want to be involved in the project?

Laura Roddy

Vice President for Advancement
[email protected]

Kimberly Cronister

Campaign Director
[email protected]

Project Impact and Key Goals

Improve quality of life for Wichita residents; increase tourism; help attract workforce talent; improve STEM education resources.
Grow Exploration Place attendance from 403,000 per year to 1 million visitors per year.
Increase the economic impact of Exploration Place from $21 million per year to $66.7 million per year.

Wichita Foundation Amphitheater

Description of the space

Located northwest of the property, a 1,500-capacity, open-air, riverfront amphitheater will showcase the nightly Keeper of the Plains fire pots experience and be a venue for year-round outdoor programming.

During construction

Construction on the amphitheater will begin in early March 2024. During this time, parking may be limited. There is additional free parking available along McLean between 2nd St. and Douglas, on the upper level of the River Vista parking garage and at the Advanced Learning Library. In addition, guests should look out for directional signage to help navigate through the site.

Textron Aviation Flight Adventure

Textron Aviation Flight Adventure is an epic adventure playground that blends the thrill of aviation with the joy of discovery. Designed for families to explore together, it celebrates Wichita’s rich aviation heritage and the promise of a continued bright future in advanced aviation manufacturing.

The playground will be anchored by a towering climbing structure, themed around the majestic Beechcraft Staggerwing.
At ground level is an explorable Cessna Citation business jet that includes a live radio connection from its cockpit to the nearby air traffic control tower.
A large climbable rocket, suspension bridge, viewing platforms, themed slides, swings and carousels will be additional interactive elements to explore.

The whole playground is being designed with accessibility in mind for guests of all ages and abilities.

learn more Take a virtual tour

BizTalk 351: The background behind the expansion campaign at Exploration Place

Join Exploration Place President, Adam Smith, as he talks with the Wichita Business Journal about the $22-million project that will construct an amphitheater on the northwest corner of the Exploration Place and a massive playscape on the southeast side of the 24-year-old science center and museum.

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