exploratorium, n. orig. U.S.
(ɛksplɒrəˈtɔːrɪəm)
[Blend of exploratory a. or exploration n. and -orium.]
A museum or demonstration centre at which visitors have the opportunity to handle exhibits, perform pre-arranged experiments, etc. Cf. hands-on a.1 2.
| 1971 Physics Today June 62/1 A novel experiment in science education for the general public is under way in San Francisco. It is a museum of science and technology called the ‘Exploratorium’. 1978 Washington Post 15 Nov. d3/4 Victor Cohn, science and medical reporter for The Washington Post, received the Exploratorium of San Francisco's second annual citation for newspaper science reporting. 1983 New Scientist 17 Nov. 485/2 Frank Oppenheimer's Exploratorium has thriving daughters in several American cities. 1987 Sunday Times 4 Oct. 12/6 Conran Roche proposes an ‘exploratorium’ where visitors make the exhibits work. |