Hours:
Tues, Wed, Fri, Sat:
9am to 5pm
Thursday:
12am to 8pm
Sunday:
1pm to 5pm
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About the Region and the Museum
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Grow is a word with many meanings. It can signify "expansion," "Gain," "intensity," and "maturity." It can apply to populations, people, and even institutions. Significantly, all these meanings are relevant to the International Museum of Art & Science's plans for the New Millennium.
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The Lower Rio Grande Valley is growing at an unprecedented pace. At the turn of the century, McAllen, Texas, finds itself as the center of the third fastest growing metropolitan area in the United States. The region's promotion of international and retail trade, tourism and manufacturing is among the most successful along the U.S.-Mexican Border. Due to its success, the region is expected to have a population that reaches or exceeds 2.5 million by the year 2000. This places it among the 25 largest metropolitan areas in the United States.
This economic and demographic growth is accompanied by a need for significant cultural and educational growth. This is especially true for the young people in the Lower Rio Grande Valley where more than one-third of the population is under 20 years of age. To prepare these young people for success and leadership, it is essential that the public and private sectors provide significant cultural and educational resources.
The International Museum of Art & Science, with the support of McAllen Public Officials and leaders in the private sector, is taking a central role in this effort. The only art and science museum between Corpus Christi and Monterrey, Mexico, the Museum has established itself as an important resource since the Junior League of McAllen spearheaded it's inception in 1969.
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The Museums record of service reflects many successes.
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National accreditation by the American Association of Museums, a professional stature held by fewer than 10% of all U.S. Museums. |
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An annual attendance of nearly 100,000 people on-and-off-site, including approximately 40,000 schoolchildren. |
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Twelve to 18 art or science related exhibits each year. |
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One of the nation's largest collections of Latin American Folk art. |
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the most significant geological and paleontological collections available for public view within a 150-mile radius. |
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Guided tours augmented by classroom activities designed to meet state educational goals. |
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Hands-On!, a traveling science exhibit program that benefits children in grades K-7 and their families. |
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Financial support from prestigious national funders such as the Institute for Library and Museum Services and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. |
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Recognition as a key element in McAllen's quality-of-life index and a vital attribute in attracting new businesses and industries. |
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Museum Programs & Events Offer Something for Everyone.
- French, Chinese, Japanese, and Filipino Cultural Days
- "Lift Off": An Astronauts Journey" Video
- COLLAGE
- Scrapbooking for Adults
- The Temple Dance of India
- Full Moon Mania
- Designer Nurseries
- Halloween Festival
- "Take a Hike, Dad!"
- Heavenly Harps Concert
- Designer Christmas Trees
-- And More --
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The International Museum of Art & Science provides an informal learning environment designed to stimulate curiosity, imagination, and understanding in the arts and sciences. A wide variety of educational programs is offered at the Museum and in community centers and schools throughout the region. Nearly 1,000 volunteers, along with work-study students from The University of Texas-Pan American, help make these programs possible.
Outreach initiatives are an important element of the Museum's programming. Museum traveling exhibits, such as Bubble Technology, Who Cares About the Weather?, and Puppets Around the World, are available for community centers and schools. The success of these exhibits has led to an ambitious collaboration involving schools and other community educational institutions to produce The River Runs Through Us. This unique interdisciplinary outreach program teaches basic scientific concepts, while imparting information about contemporary water issues of vital importance to the entire region.
For many children and adults in the Valley, the International Museum of Art & Science provides their only opportunity to experience and learn about original works of art and participate in hands-on-science exhibits. For others, the Museum enhances the region's quality of life by offering a diverse schedule of high quality exhibitions, programs, and events.
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