The Tech Interactive survives pandemic and welcomes visitors back this weekend

San Jose science center reopens May 29 honoring educators, students and families

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May 26, 2021, 15:17 ET

SAN JOSE, Calif., May 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Tech Interactive science center will open its doors to the public Saturday, May 29, for the first time since the COVID-19 crisis began. Visitors will once again be able to build robots, watch IMAX documentaries, see the inside of the human body with augmented reality, and more. Most importantly, families will again have a safe and fun place for hands-on learning together.

A young boy builds a creature and learns about machine learning with Animaker at The Tech Interactive. The Interactive reopens to the public May 29 for the first time since the pandemic began. Body Worlds Decoded, Social Robots, Cyber Detectives, The Tech Studio, Innovations in Healthcare and more will be open. Visitors will also get a preview of Solve for Earth, opening Fall 2021. Tickets are available at thetech.org

"It is a tremendous privilege to serve our community in-person," said Katrina Stevens, president and CEO of The Tech. "Though we have found ways to bring our work to our community through the pandemic, we have so missed the laughter and joy of families ringing through our halls."

An educator, one of her students and their families will be the first visitors through The Interactive's doors on Saturday. Julie Hart is a teacher at Forest Hill Elementary and an alumna of The Tech's professional development program for educators in under-served communities, The Tech Academies.

The Interactive has been closed to visitors since March 12, 2020. The 132,000-square-foot science center typically hosts about 500,000 visitors a year, around 100,000 of them students on field trips. Capacity will remain limited in accordance with public health guidelines, with advance tickets required, along with masks for staff, volunteers and visitors.

The Interactive will be open weekends and holidays this summer as vaccination rates rise and families return to in-person activities. Check thetech.org for details or to purchase tickets.

During the closure, The Tech found creative ways to serve the community, with virtual field trips, labs and the creation of The Tech Interactive at Home. Those interested in continuing to do hands-on activities at home can join The Tech's virtual Family Making Camps this summer.

About The Tech Interactive
The Tech Interactive is a family-friendly science and technology center in the heart of downtown San Jose. Our hands-on activities, experimental labs and design challenge experiences empower people to innovate with creativity, curiosity and compassion. The Tech is a world leader in the creation of immersive STEAM education resources to develop the next generation of problem-solvers locally, nationally and globally. We believe that everyone is born an innovator who can change the world for the better.

SOURCE The Tech Interactive