Washington Pavilion, Dakota State University, MarketBeat partner for new STEAM exhibit

Morgan Matzen, Sioux Falls Argus Leader
Updated ·2 min read
The Washington Pavilion stands on Wednesday, April 28, 2021, in Sioux Falls.
The Washington Pavilion stands on Wednesday, April 28, 2021, in Sioux Falls.

The space and technology floor at the Washington Pavilion’s Kirby Science Discovery Center is going to be renovated and reimagined in the coming months in time for an installation in 2024.

This renovation was announced Thursday afternoon and is part of a partnership between the Pavilion, Dakota State University and MarketBeat to fund new, modern exhibits as well as ongoing programming focused on science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM). The investment will transform the current “Space: An Out-of-This-World Experience” exhibit.

A partnership of this kind between three organizations — one private non-profit, one private for-profit and a public university — is the first of its kind in the community, Pavilion President and CEO Darrin Smith said in a statement, and should inspire young people to love science and technology.

More: Washington Pavilion to open new immersive water exhibit this summer at the Kirby Science Center

The partnership will also provide opportunities to engage DSU students and faculty in the creative design process, exhibit fabrication and hands-on interaction with youth through on-site educational programming.

DSU President José-Marie Griffiths said the university sees the dynamic partnership as an investment in the technology-forward future of the state through the development of STEAM experiences for families and individuals.

Visitors explore the Washington Pavilion in this May 5, 2015 Argus Leader file photo.
Visitors explore the Washington Pavilion in this May 5, 2015 Argus Leader file photo.

A goal of the project is to create hands-on opportunities for children to explore space and technology in new ways. The recently-announced immersive water experience will be nearby and draw the youngest visitors, while the new Space & Technology floor will be an interactive adventure aimed toward elementary school- and middle school-aged guests where they can learn about new developments in space exploration and engage with cutting-edge technology.

Total investments between the two sponsors is $375,000 and shows what’s possible when multiple organizations collaborate to achieve a common goal, founder and CEO of MarketBeat Matt Paulson said in a statement.

This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Dakota State, MarketBeat partner in new exhibit at Washington Pavilion