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Visit The Works

Hours, Admission and Special Events
Directions to The Works
What is The Works?
History of The Works
"The future ain't what it used to be."
 

Hours, Admission and Family Activities

Museum Hours: 

Open to the public 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Saturday.

Open for pre-scheduled groups, including birthday parties, any day but Sunday.

Admission:  $5.00 for adults and for children ages 3 and older

Family Activities: 
Enjoy additional  hands-on activities free each Saturday from 1-3 p.m. with your $5.00 admission to the museum!

April 2008 - Compasses

Discover what is the world's largest magnet.  Investigate North and South poles, then suspend a powerful magnet to make your own compass.

May 2008 - Pinwheels and Wind Mills (except May 31)

Put the wind to work using miniature wind mills!  Tweak the blades to make more power.  Then design your own pinwheel to take home.

May 31 - Egg Drop Challenge  - Click here to view contest rules.

June 2008 - Crazy Racers

Join us for a different type of picnic.  Come on in and grab some picnic supplies to build a crazy car.  Then race your car against others.

Sign up for our e-mail newsletter to receive monthly information about family activities and other events at The Works.

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Directions to The Works

The Works is located on the third floor (Room 303) of the Edina Community Center (ECC), which is in Edina, a suburb just to the west of South Minneapolis.  

From the North:

• Follow Hwy 100 south

• Take the 50th Street/Vernon Exit

• Turn Left at the top of the ramp onto 50th (you will cross over Hwy 100)

• Turn Right on Grange Road (the first stoplight).  This becomes a frontage road for Hwy 100.  Follow this road south for approximately 1 mile. 

• The Edina Community Center is located at the intersection of the frontage road and South View Lane.  The Works is located on the third floor.  You may park in the lots north and east of the building.

From the South:

• Follow Hwy 100 North

• Take the 50th Street/Vernon Exit

• At the top of the ramp go to the right onto Grange Road

• Stay straight through the first intersection.  This becomes a frontage road for Hwy 100.  Follow this road south for approximately 1 mile. 

• The Edina Community Center is located at the intersection of the frontage road and South View Lane.  The Works is located on the third floor.  You may park in the lots north and east of the building.
  

What is The Works?

The Works is a technology discovery center, a “hands-on, minds-on” museum that makes learning about technology and science interesting, understandable and fun.  A non-profit community organization, The Works is dedicated to increasing public understanding about technology.  Our dynamic exhibits and educational programs are designed to captivate a broad audience,  demystify science and technology, and inspire interest and confidence in learning.  More than 100,000 people have visited The Works!

The Works uses participatory exhibits to teach about science and technology because of their broad appeal and proven effectiveness.  Learning by doing is inviting, exciting and it works:  people learn more and remember more.  Successful, hands-on experiences exploring technology can have a major influence on a person's attitude about science and technology and confidence in learning.

The Works is designed for the general public, especially young people ages 5 to 15.  The Works has also made a commitment to attracting and serving people from groups that are underrepresented in technical professions: people of color, women and girls.  A diverse mix of school groups, scout troops, youth care centers, community organizations, individuals and families explores technology and science at The Works.

The Works is operated by a small professional staff and a corps of talented and dedicated volunteers.  The Works is a not-for-profit, tax exempt 501(c)(3) organization funded by gallery admissions, program fees and generous contributions from foundations, individuals and corporations.

History of The Works  

The Works’ first group of exhibits, The Interactive Image,  on imaging and optical technologies, premiered at the Bell Museum in Minneapolis in February 1995.  The response from parents, teachers and children to our  innovative, “hands-on, minds-on” learning environment was tremendous and inspired us to proceed.

From November 1995 to February 2001, The Works created a thriving museum in temporary quarters donated by local shopping malls — first Ridgedale, then Eden Prairie Center, then Southdale Center.  During this time we launched a variety of quality educational programs including weekend hands-on activities for families, group workshops, in-depth technology camps, scout events and community festivals. The Works also continued to develop exhibits to delight visitors and demystify technology, including two major new exhibit areas: Gears & Gizmos (about machines and mechanisms) and Build! (about structures and design.)

In February 2001, The Works had to abruptly vacate a beautiful 8,000 square foot facility at Southdale to make way for new retail developments.  This catalyzed a critical decision: to find and finance a stable site for The Works’ unique exhibits and acclaimed “hands-on, minds-on” educational programs.  We were delighted to secure beautiful, functional, permanent space at the Edina Community Center for our unique exhibits and acclaimed educational programs. 

With the Grand Opening on January 11, 2003 we embarked on a new era for The Works, an era of stability and service, of delighting, educating and inspiring children with "hands-on, minds-on" learning about science and technology.

 
To date, The Works has welcomed over 100,000 visitors!

The future ain't what is used to be." 

So said Yogi Berra, and he's right on for 2008.  New developments in technology continue to transform our world, with phenomenal advances in manufacturing, materials science, bioscience, energy, robotics, communications and more.

In countries and industries across the planet, technological innovation and competition are on the rise.  Growing recognition of this emerging global economy has focused increasing attention and concern on science and engineering education in the United States and here in Minnesota.

That's just why The Works is important, now more than ever.  As study after study emphasizes the urgency of giving our children solid backgrounds in science, mathematics and technology, The Works celebrates over 11 years of success -- with intriguing exhibits, in-depth engineering projects for children and inspiring, informative field trip experiences.

With your help, The Works' unique exhibits, workshops, classes and camps will continue to impact thousands of children and families each year.  Also with your help, we can begin initiative in areas of great need, including training for elementary school teachers, after-school programs and new exhibits.

Please support The Works.  Your gift is tax-exempt and will go directly into  hands-on, minds-on learning that prepares young people throughout the Twin Cities for the "new" future of science and technology.

The Works
5701 Normandale Road
Edina, Minnesota 55424
(952) 848-4848
info@theworks.org