Eureka! My Global Garden/Desert Discovery
WREN is the lead sponsor of Our Global Garden, Eureka's groundbreaking environmental education gallery. This was opened to mark the museum’s tenth birthday in August 2002 and marked the successful completion of the first phase of a six year redevelopment plan. Our Global Garden has been very well received by children, parents, teachers and the media. Over 70,000 people visited the gallery in its first six months alone, (approximately 35% of total visitors) and its popularity is increasing.
Eureka approached WREN again in 2003 to fund a gallery that provides an introduction to environmental issues for younger children. A new gallery called Desert Discovery has been designed to provide a place for very young children to become the expedition leader of their own “desert adventure”. They learn about themselves, the world around them and how to care for their planet.
Desert Discovery is the first permanent interactive gallery for children from birth to five years anywhere in the UK. By encouraging children to take an active interest in the world around them at an early age, it is more likely that these children will lead sustainable lives as adults. In addition, the design process will investigate the use of recycled and natural materials in the construction of the gallery. In social and economic terms, Desert Discovery’s soft and safe design, and multi-sensory approach, will make it suitable for children with a wide range of disabilities. The minimal use of text will make the gallery accessible to those without English as a first language. Being the only gallery of its kind in the UK, Desert Discovery will encourage more visitors to come to Eureka! which will have a positive economic impact on the area.
WREN funding has been crucial in the development of Eureka! and to date WREN’s has committed over £425,000 to the redevelopment of this flagship museum.
