The ExplorationWorks! Museum of Science and Culture is preparing to open its doors this fall thanks to more than 900 volunteer hours put in by the Helena community.

According to executive director Suzanne Wilcox, the building is taking shape because so many people have given their time, talents, skills, and financial support.

Designed by Mosaic Architecture, the building itself will be an exhibit, designed to use and showcase sustainable building practices and renewable energy technologies, including straw bale construction, super insulation and grid-tied solar systems.

When complete, the structure will have more than 14,000 square feet of floor space which will include exhibit space, a gift shop, classrooms and meeting areas, a unique second floor outdoor exhibit/rooftop garden area, and a workshop for exhibit maintenance and construction.

Wilcox says they considered using an existing structure but they really wanted to build something new that would fit the goals of the project.

They couldn’t have hoped for a better location.

The building is in a visitor hot spot of Helena, across from the carousel and the Great Northern Best Western Hotel. Alan Nicholson, the developer of the Great Northern Town Center, donated the land and the city of Helena and ExplorationWorks! are partners in the building as joint tenants in common.

Many of the building’s finishing components are results of projects taken on by the community as well. The fun, artistic railings that can be seen on the exterior and interior of the building were designed by local artist Joseph Crowley and Helena College of Technology students did the cutting and welding.

Groups like Helena Big Brothers, Big Sisters and Helena area students painted sets of tiles for the restrooms depicting various themes such as Montana landscapes, bugs and invertebrates, friendship, and fossils.

Local woodworker Tim Carney, Frontline Glass, and the Helena High School welding students coordinated the design of the massive front doors that depict a giant version of the “X person” from the museum’s logo.

Director of Operations Bethany Flint says ExplorationWorks! has already evolved a lot from its original conception. At first, says Flint, the focus was on creating an educational place for people to visit and learn, but through the creation process it has become much more.

“It has really become more of a community gathering place instead of just a museum,” she says.

Apart from the ongoing creation of the museum, Wilcox says that the organization has been conducting after-school and summer hands-on “museum without walls” enrichment programs for almost six years. More than 165 students attended classes this summer, which ranged from culinary arts to the “art of nature.” The hands-on learning these classes provided inspired children to learn more about nature, science, technology, and culture, fulfilling part of the goal of the ExplorationWorks! organization.

“Science and math have been a lifelong passion of mine,” said Chairman of the Board Tom Cladouhos. “While some consider them to be dull and bor-ing subjects, I find them exciting, creative, and applicable n not only to technology but to our world view, the arts, our culture and everyday life and decision making. I also feel that learning needs to be hands on and lifelong.”

Kids participated in several classes this summer including:

“GardenWorks Sprouts”- Children explored the beginning of the growing season through a variety of mediums and planted their own sprouts.

“Culinary Camp”- Students learned to cook different cultural dishes using fresh ingredients harvested from the ExplorationWorks! garden at the YMCA.

“Water Wonders”- Participants got very wet learning about water biology and ecology in local ponds and streams in the Helena Area.

“The Mysteries of Flight”- Day-campers learned hands-on about the mechanics of flight by building their own solid-fuel rockets, rubber-band powered airplanes, and ornithoptor bird models.

“Beginning Robotics”- Students discovered the world of programming and constructing robots using the Lego Mindstorms curriculum.

“The Art of Nature”- Kids explored trails around the Helena area, lending a hand to trail maintenance, identifying plants and wildlife, and recording their experiences using various art mediums.

The museum plans to hold a month-long “soft opening” in October. They will allow people involved in the project and inaugural members explore while the staff learns everything they need to know before opening to the general public in November. After their public opening, ExplorationWorks! will also offer a docent program where members of the community can volunteer to help interpret exhibits and interact with guests.