Here's what you'll want to know!

What is Maker City?
It's a makerspace designed especially for youth ages 8+. The 1,250 sq. foot studio workshop offers a place where youth makers and families can design, invent, create and collaborate using real tools – the same materials and processes used by artists, builders, programmers and entrepreneurs. From sewing and woodworking to digital design or 3D modeling, you'll find everything you need to turn idea into reality. 

Where is Maker City located? 
It's located inside Explore More Discovery Museum on the 2nd floor, adjacent to the 2nd floor admission desk.

When is Maker City open?
Maker City requires a great deal of supervision and we try to offer hours that allow us to serve the greatest number of participants. To provide the best possible experience and keep safety at the highest level, the number of participants per session is limited. Open times vary and you'll find extended hours during school holidays and summer breaks. Please refer to our calendar to see Open Make times and special activities. Open Make sessions are currently posted one week in advance. To reserve a spot, pre-register is encouraged.

How much does it cost to visit Maker City?
Maker City entrance is included in the regular museum admission fees ( $7.50 per person for adults and children). Members visit free all year long. There may be additional fees for specialty workshops.

What is Open Make? This is a time when youth can reserve a space and explore many aspects of Maker City. It is self-guided and our supervisors will assist students in their areas of interest. It is our job to foster creative exploration while also maintaining the highest level of safety and visitor experience. Anyone who is 8+ can come to Open Make and it is not mandatory to have completed a Boot Camp session. 

Why do children have to be at least 8 years old to participate? We understand that all children have different abilities and interests and that age is never a perfect indication of readiness. In this instance, we listened to the kids. During numerous focus groups with older youth, we heard time and time again that while they love the museum activities, they really wanted a place of their own. A place where they could have some independence and explore creatively. This is why Maker City exists and as hard as it is to tell the 7 1/2 year old that they will have to wait, it's very special to our older kids. Thanks for understanding and supporting!

How do we get started? Check the calendar to register for your Open Make visit or specialty workshop. On the day/time of your reservation, you'll need to check in at Museum’s front desk and then you can make your way to Maker City, located on the 2nd floor. Every participant must have a waiver on file. If you don't have one, you can print a copy HERE or we'll have them available at the desk. 

Can adults stay with their children in Maker City? Under normal circumstances, we would welcome adults to stay and work alongside their children. With social distancing requirements, our space is limited so we can only allow youth participants and staff at this time. After checking in at the front desk, please walk your child to Maker City. We will not release a child into the museum without their caregiver. Please come to Maker City at the end of the session to pick up your child.

How is the Explore More Discovery Museum funded?
Explore More is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. 40% of the annual operating budget comes from fundraising events, sponsorships and donations while the other 60% is from admission fees, memberships, program fees, etc. Maker City costs are significant. We are pleased to have generous donor support. Please take time to see our sponsor listing on the Maker City page and at the entrance. 

Do you need volunteers? YES, we'd love to have more volunteers. Please complete a volunteer form and we'll contact you with details.

Do you participate in the Museums for All program?
Yes, we are pleased to participate in this program. Admission fee is $2.00 per person for families with SNAP EBT cards and valid ID.

Who works in Maker City? While you'll see many of our staff members and volunteers helping throughout the year, the people you'll most often see are pictured below.  

Have more questions? Contact us at info@iexploremore!

Maker City SUPERVISOrS

Get to know them!

JACOB MARSHALL
Jacob is a recent graduate of Appalachian State University with a degree in Product Design and a Japanese Language and Culture minor. Jacob started as an intern in the Spring of 2018 and later became a staff member and lead supervisor in Maker City. His favorite part about working in Maker City is witnessing the "ah-ha" moment that kids and parents experience when they find a solution to a problem or create something awesome. He hopes that Maker City participants will develop a healthy respect for failure instead of a fear of it.
His hometown when not in the 'Burg...Kernersville, North Carolina!
Fun facts...Jacob is a certified martial arts instructor and can play the mandolin!

BRIANNA PREPUTNIK
Brianna is currently serving as an intern in Maker City. She attends JMU and will graduate in May 2019 with a double major in Industrial Design and Art Education. She considers herself a maker because she loves designing and creating things with her hands. When asked what she wants the Maker City kids to take away from the experience, Brianna says, "I want kids to learn just how exciting it can be to use their creativity. Maker City is a place where kids can experiment and explore with so many different materials, and seeing children come back again and again to continue working on a project or try something new makes me realize they are starting to catch on to the world of making."
Her hometown when not in the 'Burg...Virginia Beach!

OLIVIA TROMPETA
Olivia is currently serving as an intern in Maker City. She attends JMU and will graduate in May 2020 with a major in Industrial Design. Olivia is a maker because it allows her to play with different materials, learn new skills, and share her creations with friends. She loves that Maker City provides so many resources for everyone - kids, teens, and even adults. She hopes that everyone in Maker City will learn that it's okay to make mistakes, start over, and problem solve when they're making and creating.
Her hometown when not in the 'Burg...Richmond, VA!
Fun facts...Olivia fosters dogs and has been part of the NBA halftime show twice!