On Saturday May 11th Center in the Square is planning a black-tie extravaganza from 8 p.m to Midnight to celebrate the completion of their extensive renovations. Aquariums, green rooftop, and all museums will be open and ready to be explored during this event.
“This promises to be a spectacular event considering the unveiling of the much anticipated renewed Center” said Dr. Jim Sears, president and general manager of Center in the Square. “Many people will remember our very popular annual event “Affair in the Square” and have often asked when we will be bringing that back. Well, it’s back in a big way with this Grand Affair. We have so much to celebrate and are very proud of the new Center and know that it will be a considerable asset to downtown Roanoke and the entire region. We want to celebrate this in style.”
Tickets are available online at www.centerinthesquare.org. Grand Affair is a 21 and older event – ID’s will be required.
FAMILY DAY OF DISCOVERY – SATURDAY, MAY 18, 2013 (10 a.m. – 6 p.m.):
Center in the Square will also be holding a ribbon-cutting ceremony and “Family Day of Discovery” to the general public for the first time at the grand reopening celebration event on May 18. The ribbon cutting ceremony will start at 9:30 a.m. Center will open to the general public at 10 a.m.
As part of the opening day festivities, all three museums will open to the public for a small fee, while the redesigned Atrium, the living coral-reef aquarium, the jelly fish aquariums and seahorse estuary and the brand new green rooftop are free for visitors.
The Advance Auto Parts Atrium at ground level is home to the 6,000 living coral reef, salt water aquarium, and two 500 gallon moon jellyfish aquariums joined by a seahorse estuary. Also at ground level is the new McDonald’s Box Office. The atrium will also be a technology playground for both adults and children, featuring 15 IPADS, six touch screens, and a large high definition 3D technology wall all capable of gaming, video viewing, and hands on educational fun. Mill Mountain Theatre’s Wells Fargo Auditorium, home to the Trinkle Main Stage, can also be found on the ground level.
New to Center in the Square is the Harrison Museum of African American Culture with galleries installed on the second floor. The History Museum of Western Virginia has galleries on the second and third floors.
The Science Museum of Western Virginia boasts an increase in space and programs offered in their new layout on the fourth and fifth floors. The crowning jewel of the reinvented Science Museum will be the Butterfly Habitat. Healthy Bodies, Healthy Earth, How it Works, and Children’s Discovery Zone are among other new exhibits in the Science Museum.
The Rooftop (level six) has been transformed in spectacular fashion. There you can enjoy the butterfly deck, atrium overlook, Koi pond, green planters, seating, and beautiful views of the surrounding area. Step up to level seven and you will see the green rooftop with green gardens, solar panels, and technology displays capturing the energy usage and efficiencies of the Green building.
Visit centerinthesquare.org for more information
