June 26, 2008
Launch Pad launches
If you're into science, check out a new gift shop at Center in the Square. It’s called the Launch Pad.
This store, housed on Center's lower level, used to be a shared space for the art, history and science museums. But the Science Museum of Western Virginia has taken over as its primary operator. It closed the store for awhile to switch up the merchandise to a science theme. The store reopened this week.
The selection includes science kits, toys, gadgets and a Rock Sluice, which previously was located in the museum’s fourth floor galleries. For $4 a bag, you receive a mystery bag of gem stones.
Some items are priced at $5 and under, such as wind-up robots, and they're primarily child-centered. The museum is trying to offer affordable merchandise at the shop, said Fran Ferguson, who is director of development for the museum.
The upper level of the Launch Pad will be used for different activities, such as summer camps and birthday parties.
Museum members and visitors (on the day of your visit) are eligible for a 10 percent discount on purchases at the shop.
But the Launch Pad won’t remain at its spot for too long. With Center in the Square’s upcoming renovations, the store may move to an upper level space, possibly in another year, Ferguson said.
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