$1 membership, no-school STEAM day, new additions bring busy winter at Washington Pavilion

This paid piece is sponsored by Washington Pavilion Management Co.

Now’s the time: If you’ve been thinking about becoming a member of the Washington Pavilion, you won’t find a better offer.

You can join for $1 per month for the first three months. To learn more about how it works and all that’s included, click here. 

“We just set a record for membership, so we’re excited so many people are discovering what the Pavilion has to offer, and we hope this is the encouragement even more guests need to join,” director of museums Brandon Hanson said.

The offer is only valid through March, so sign up soon and get ready to take advantage of all that awaits.

If you’re looking for something new to escape the rest of winter, the Pavilion definitely can deliver. Here’s a look at what’s new:

Unique art installations

If you’ve not yet seen “Floating Worlds” by South Dakota artist Amy Fill, a visit to the Visual Arts Center should be on your schedule.

“You’ll see about 40 suspended lifesized trees, so it’s something all ages appreciate,” Hanson said. “And on First Friday, there will be a really fun event as this installation winds down, with music, dancing, yoga and a poetry reading.”

The entire Visual Arts Center is filled with local art right now, including a new collection of some of the Pavilion’s newly acquired work.

“We buy art every year to add to our collection so we can preserve this outstanding work,” Hanson said.

“And right now, you’ll find local art in all eight galleries, including some from students at Augustana University that won’t be here much longer, so stop by if you’re an Augie fan and get ready to visit soon if you’re an SDSU fan because they’re up next.”

No School STEAM Day

When school is out March 18, make plans to send your kindergartner through fifth grader to a No School STEAM Day at the Pavilion.

In partnership with Sanford PROMISE, your kids will enjoy a full day of activities from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“They’ll have time in the science center, they’ll see a CineDome film, go through the Visual Arts Center and do an art activity with an instructor, and they learn from Sanford PROMISE about how scientists investigate things they can’t see,” said Madelyn Grogan, director of education.

“So things like cells and DNA, and they will even extract DNA from fruit, work with microscopes and get to do all kinds of hands-on things.”

There are separate programs for grades K-2 and 3-5. The cost is $25, with scholarships available.

To learn more and register, click here. 

Don’t miss Bug Squad

The popular traveling Bug Squad exhibit departs the Pavilion at the end of the month, so bring the kids for one last climb.

“It’s basically a big themed jungle gym with all kinds of slides and climbing apparatus and drones, with lifesized animatronic bugs that look like superheroes,” Hanson said.

“If you need a fun way to get out of the house, this is it.”

New debut at the CineDome

On First Friday in March, the new film “Pandas, the Journey Home” will premier.

“It’s an engaging, but short, documentary about efforts in China to increase the panda population, both in captivity and in the wild,” Hanson said. “Essentially, you’ll be surrounded by adorable pandas and panda babies, so we expect it will be a popular addition.”

Plan ahead for preschool

It’s definitely not too soon to be thinking about next school year. Registration has started for the Graham Academy Preschool, which is open to 3- and 4-year-olds.

“They tend to fill up by April or May, and we start a waiting list, so we encourage you to look into it soon if you’re interested,” Grogan said. “We have options that vary from half to full days four days a week, and we love that they can focus on art and science with everything in the building there is to explore, with the bonus of going to shows and events.”

To learn more, click here. 

Book your birthday party

You’re going to be surprised when you find out all the options for hosting a birthday party at the Pavilion.

“We set a record for birthday parties last month, so people are loving these,” Hanson said. “The kids get to visit with Radley Rex, who brings them a gift, and they can do an activity like compete to shoot a paper rocket up the grand staircase or hold a gaming party in the CineDome. And we have food and drink, and we’ll decorate and help make it totally customizable.”

To learn more about holding your personalized party at the Pavilion, click here. 

Ready to take advantage of the best membership offer yet? Click here to learn more.