Exploratoriumn.
/ᵻksplɒrəˈtɔːrɪəm/, /ɛksplɒrəˈtɔːrɪəm/, U.S. /ᵻkˌsplɔrəˈtɔriəm/, /ɛkˌsplɔrəˈtɔriəm/ Originally U.S.
(The name of) a museum or demonstration centre at which visitors have the opportunity to handle exhibits, perform pre-arranged experiments, etc. Cf. hands-on adj. 2.A proprietary name.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > manifestation > showing to the sight > exposure to public view > an exhibition > [noun] > museum > type of
antiquarium1651
war museum1917
folk-museum1936
museumobile1948
Exploratorium1968
ecomuseum1976
heritage centre1976
exploratory1982
1968 F. Oppenheimer in Curator 11 207 The laboratory atmosphere of such an ‘exploratorium’ could then be supplemented with historical displays showing the development of both science and technology.
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’.
1983 New Scientist 17 Nov. 485/2 Frank Oppenheimer's Exploratorium has thriving daughters in several American cities.
1992 Condé Nast Traveler Mar. 169/2 At the Exploratorium, the cavernous children's science museum in the old Palace of Fine Arts, we stuck our hands into a miniature tornado.
2003 Time Out N.Y. 15 May 26/3 I made my way to the Exploratorium, a cool interactive museum that's home to irresistible hands-on exhibits reminiscent of school science fairs.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2016; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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n.1968