One million visitor milestone prompts Early Start Discovery Space to further evolve

The University of Wollongong’s (UOW) Early Start Discovery Space has welcomed its one millionth visitor, pledging on the occasion to use insights from past members to inform future experiences and programs.

 

The landmark achievement highlights the Early Start Discovery Space’s role in inspiring young minds through innovative, hands-on learning experiences.

 

The Discovery Space is the first dedicated children’s museum in the world based on a university campus. It provides interactive experiences, stimulating educational programs and learn-through-play activities for children aged from birth to 10 years of age and their families.

 

All experiences are designed to allow children to take control and share their imagination and creativity with others. The environment stimulates curiosity, supports independence, encourages social interaction and promotes an inclusive community.

 

20 month old Addison Micallef was the one-millionth visitor, entering the gates to great fanfare and a shower of coloured confetti at 11am on Thursday 3 October 2024.

 

Visiting with mother Rachel, Addison was presented with gifts including a family membership to the Discovery Space before taking part in celebrations to mark the occasion, unveiling a commemorative plaque and joining other children and their adults for a dance party in the Pod.

 

For Ms Micallef, it was a memorable first visit to the Discovery Space.

 

“We’re meeting friends here today. We have some friends from Dubbo and some from a little bit north of here so we thought we would all meet here and have a little playdate,” she said.

 

“I didn’t know today was the day it was going to tick over [to one million visitors]. It was a very big surprise. It was very exciting, and a very grand entrance, to walk in and see that and celebrate the milestone with everyone here.”

 

Addison took being the centre of attention in her stride and was keen to explore the Discovery Space’s sights and sounds and experiences.

 

Also present to celebrate the occasion were some of the Discovery Space’s first customers. Brothers Aiden (17), Owen (15) and Lachie Vardy (11) who were some of the original members when the Discovery Space first opened its doors to the public in 2015. The brothers said they enjoyed the opportunity to come back and to relive some fond memories.

 

expressed her excitement over the milestone.

 

“Reaching one million visitors is not just a number; it represents the countless children and families who have experienced the joy of learning through play in a unique and interactive environment,” Early Start Research Director Professor Lisa Kervin AM said.

 

“We are grateful for the support from the Australian Government and The Abbott Foundation, which has made this ambitious dream a reality.”

 

Early Start researchers are internationally recognised for their expertise in education, cognition, health and physical activity. Their findings guide and influence all educational aspects of the Discovery Space, ensuring its play-based experiences and public programs are grounded in evidence and beneficial to children’s development.

 

Following the one million visitor milestone, a newly announced research project will use insights from past members to inform future experiences and programs. 

 

More than 70 researchers and 50 research students contribute their time, expertise and passions to the Early Start Institute and the Discovery Space, with the new study to examine the impact of the Discovery Space on children and families.

 

“It is my pleasure today to launch our retrospective cohort study on behalf of the Early Start research team. In this study we want to hear from previous members to find out ‘where are they now’,” Professor Kervin said.

 

“Through questionnaires and focus groups we’re keen to connect with families of children who were members of the Early Start Discovery Space, to understand their experiences, and how the Discovery Space fostered for their children a sense of community, connection, belonging, and set them on positive learning trajectories.”

 

“This study will help us to understand what is working but also to help us set a future agenda for our next million visitors.”