Economic Impact

Research indicates the average museum visitor will spend $23 (and average tourists $38pp) beyond the cost of admission in nearby restaurants and shops. With a projection of 250,000 visitors in the first year of operation, Explore & More will help bring families to Buffalo’s growing Canalside destination year-round. New jobs – from museum staff to construction – have already been created as well. Over 50% of the children’s museums built in the last 10 years were part of urban revitalization projects.Research shows that 90% of brain development happens before the age of five, and one of the most important ways young children learn is through play. A recent paper in the American Academy Journal of Pediatrics, titled The Power of Play: A Pediatric Role in Enhancing Development in Young Children, emphasizes the crucial role of active play in early child development for everything from problem-solving and social skills, to cognitive and language skills, as well as brain development. Another recent federal study showed that kindergarteners who visit museums show higher achievement scores by third grade, regardless of socio-economic status.By offering accessible play experiences for children, Explore & More seeks to help move the needle on school readiness for all children, especially those living in poverty – over 50% of Buffalo’s children. Children’s museums become town squares in their communities, bringing children and families from all walks of life together. This will be especially true for Explore & More, where our emphasis is on Buffalo identity, community-curated exhibits, shared history and dreams, and being good neighbors.

keep exploring

power of play

support

exhibits

about