WRITER | LISA BECKER CAMPBELL
PHOTO| SLOANLONGWAY.ORG
A Cabin-Fever Cure in Mid Michigan
Got cabin fever in Mid Michigan? Get to the Sloan Museum before January 20, 2020, to view two traveling hands-on exhibits: U Rock, an exploration into the institution of Rock and Roll, and Wild Kratts® Creature Power, an exploration into the secret lives of amazing creatures and their habitats from around the globe.
In addition to these exhibits, visitors can view artifacts chronicling the history of Flint and Genesee County, including 30 historic vehicles, and the Wisner’s Whizbang Emporium family gallery, which is fun for the whole family.
The Sloan Museum in the Flint Cultural Center is closed for renovation, but they have a temporary exhibition space inside Courtland Center Mall at 4190 E. Court St. in Burton.
A great destination for family fun, the Sloan Museum’s mission — along with sister organization Longway Planetarium — is to create engaging experiences for the community that inspires a lifelong curiosity in history, science, and technology.
Sloan Museum at Courtland Center is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and Sunday from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
The automotive collection offers a majestic look at the significant role that General Motors played in the area’s history, from Chevrolets to Cadillacs to exotic models like the Art Deco-influenced 1937 Buick Model 80 C convertible.
For more education and entertainment, visit nearby Longway Planetarium, Michigan’s largest planetarium, located at 1310 E. Kearsley St. in Flint. Longway Planetarium presents educational and entertaining shows every day of the week!
The Planetarium has many programs for all ages, including a Holiday Tea and others such as:
The Life of Trees
A cheeky ladybug named Dolores and a quirky firefly called Mike take the audience on a fascinating journey into the wondrous world of trees. Great for ages 6 to 10.
Oceans: Our Blue Planet
Join a global odyssey to discover the largest and least-explored habitat on earth. From the coastal shallows to deeper, more mysterious worlds, discover untold stories of the oceans’ most astonishing creatures. Narrated by Kate Winslet. Great for ages 6 to adult!
Dark Side: The Light Show
Experience Pink Floyd’s iconic Dark Side of the Moon album as never before in this one-of-a-kind show. Great for ages 12 and older. Please note: This show contains some adult language and dizzying visual effects. It is not recommended for individuals prone to motion sickness, seizures, or light sensitivity.
Together, Sloan Museum and Longway Planetarium serve more than 60,000 schoolchildren annually, providing standards-based classes in science and history.
The buildings are named for two renowned historical figures. Alfred M. Sloan became president of General Motors in 1923 and immediately embarked upon a reorganization program that would lead the company to become a giant of the automotive industry. Robert T. Longway spent many years in Flint as a vice president at GM, in banking endeavors, and more.
Sloan Museum and Longway Planetarium are funded in part by the Genesee County Arts Education and Cultural Enrichment Millage funds. Rates are reasonable, with the most expensive ticket at $7 for a nonresident adult.
Genesee County Residents now receive 50% off admission to shows at Longway Planetarium, courtesy of the Arts & Culture Millage, by presenting a driver’s license or other ID. They are closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Sloan Museum
Temporary location:
Courtland Center Mall
4190 E. Court Street, Burton
Longway Planetarium
1310 E. Kearsley Street, Flint
(810) 237-3443 l SloanLongway.org
