Welcome to the World of Wonders!
Learn about energy, electricity, magnetism, sight and more at the World of Wonders (WOW) Science Museum in Historic Downtown Lodi, where hands-on exhibits stimulate discovery for all ages. If you've ever been to the San Francisco Exploratorium, then you know exactly what the World of Wonders is.... a fascinating, motivating and fun place where children and adults can learn about the world around them through science!
Here's what the WOW does for our region:
- Increases interest in Science
- Closes the gap in science education
- A "Field Study" destination
- A family-oriented, fun place
- Stimulates our local economy
- Contributes for future generations
- Enhances our quality of life
While visiting the museum, please stop by the WOW Science Store where you'll find exciting science gifts for everyone in the family.
History of the WOW
In 2004, on the way home from a family visit at the Exploratorium, Dan Ingrum from Lodi, realized that this was exactly what the Central Valley needed; an Exploratorium type of museum for our family, our community and our future. Inspired by one man?s dream, a small group of dedicated visionaries came together in 2005 in the hopes of building a hands-on science museum to help compliment the education of our children today and for all future generations. With limited time dedicated to science in the classroom, these visionaries believed this was the perfect time to establish science education programs through edutainment with the aspiration of fostering young astronauts, medical doctors, meteorologists and engineers, just to name a few. As a result of these edutainment programs, the museum would give birth to the next generation of American scientists.
Hence, the World of Wonders Science Museum was born. With many dedicated hours and the true belief in the vision of the WOW, this volunteer group raised over $600,000 just from the local communities. In May of 2008, tenant improvements commenced on an empty 9,000 sq. ft. building and by September 2008, the building was ready to be filled with hands-on exhibits.
The World of Wonders Science Museum has a cooperative partnership with the Exploratorium ExNet program and houses 30 world class hands-on exhibits directly from the Exploratorium. Many of the other exhibits in the museum have been donated by local supporters or built by our resident scientific engineer, Jim Pyers. The WOW which opened in March of 2009 provides field study trips for school aged children Wednesday through Friday and birthday parties on weekends. Come visit the World of Wonders Science Museum where our colleagues assist you with hands-on activities that will wow and amaze you!
Thank you to our Sponsors
Thank you to the following individuals, companies and organizations who have generously invested $1,000 or more in the Museum to help further the mission of the WOW
K.R. and Robbie Hovatter
Scientific Specialties, Inc
General Mills Foundation
AT&T
Joseph and Susan Maley
James Pyers
Alexander Family (Dennis Alexander, Roberta Alexander,
Denise Arbios-Perak, Thomas Alexander and Andy Alexander)
Dart Family Foundation
Pieter and Barbara den Hartog
Food 4 Less & Rancho San Miguel Markets
Jerry and Peggy Fry
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
Sally Greenley Snyde
Sheila Wishek
Bruce and Norma Burlington
Michael Crete
Danz Jewelers
Betty Greenley
David and Lisa Isola
John and Gail Kautz
Lodi Association of Realtors
Lodi Gas Storage
Marshal Merriam
Michael-David Family Winery
Mid-Valley Agricultural Services
Chris and Nora Olsen
Omega Nu Sorority
Sandelin Family
Jeff and Julie Thompson
Cynthia Wagner Weick
Walt and Barbara Wolterstorff
Wells Fargo Foundation
S&L Vineyards
Kohl's
Stockton Sunrise Rotary
Corey and Kim Daniel
Stephen and Marne Simpson
Charles and Shirlene Clark Family Foundation
Jeffrey and Susan Henderson
