Tellus Nears Its 400,000th Visitor

Tellus Science Museum officials announced Tuesday the facility is about 600 people away from its 400,000th visitor. Opening to the public two years ago this month, Tellus has exceeded attendance expectations.

"When we first opened in 2009, our projection was 150,000 in our first year," said Joe Schulman, director of Marketing. "We passed that in October of 2009. We finished that year with more than 200,000 visitors. 2010 was a great year for us as well and we’re excited about the prospects of the future."

With new exhibits in the works, Tellus could be seeing more visitors returning in the coming year.

"We always want more people to visit Tellus," Schulman said. "We want to educate and inspire children and adults. We’ve got a great slate of events for this year, and some new exhibits planned. I think 2011 is going to be a great year for Tellus and visitors; first-time or returning, are going to have a blast with us."

The lucky 400,000th visitor will receive a gift from Tellus.

Billed as northwest Georgia's premiere science museum when it opened in January 2009, it offers four galleries, one of which houses The Weinman Mineral Gallery. Tellus replaced the Weinman Mineral Museum, formerly at the same site.

The Fossil Gallery includes a Tyrannosaurus rex, a 9-foot-wide jaw of a Megaladon and southeastern dinosaurs, while Science in Motion takes visitors through 100 years of transportation technology with vintage vehicles and replicas of the Apollo I capsule, Sputnik and the Mercury capsule. The Collins Family My Big Backyard offers children an interactive learning experience with light, magnets, electricity, weather and more.

Other offerings include a plantetarium, Fossil Dig and Gem Panning areas and a solar house.

With events throughout the year — Rockfest, Night at the Museum, Metal in Motion and a lecture series — Tellus draws individuals, families and groups including a number of educational visits.