The $21.5 million Scott Family Amazeum in Bentonville opened to the public on Wednesday; the museum for families is the first of its kind in northwest Arkansas.
Within its 50,000 SF are exhibits including a market sponsored by Wal-Mart, a pioneer-style cabin and farm, a water play room, a weather and nature section and an art lab. One of the special areas is a Hershey’s chocolate lab, the only Hershey’s Lab outside of the company’s headquarters in Pennsylvania.
Outside the museum doors, an acre of land allows for outdoor learning and exploration.
In marking the grand opening today, the Amazeum said its mission is to “educate people in the best ways possible for whatever lies ahead and to engage the entire family in exploration, learning and fun.”
Sam Dean is executive director of the Scott Family Amazeum. The idea for the museum was first conceived in 2006 and a $10 million grant from the Walton family helped to boost the project.
Dean previously told Arkansas Business that he predicts 165,000 visitors during the museum’s first year.
The Amazeum is named in honor of the Lee Scott Family, who have supported the museum financially and through their time and talents.
The Amazeum is located near Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art at 1009 Museum Way in Bentonville. General admission is $9.50; children under 2 get in free. Family memberships are available and start at $95 per year for a family of four.
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