PARKERSBURG — Discovery World on Market held a VIP reception Friday for donors, funders and sponsors of the hands-on children’s museum, which opens to the public Sunday.

Over the last nearly two years, the former Masonic Temple at Ninth and Market streets has been transformed into a museum geared toward children ages 0-8 and focused on science, technology, engineering, arts and math (S.T.E.A.M.) topics. Many of the exhibits are customized for the local area.

More than $12 million has been invested in renovations and exhibits, Wendy Shriver, executive director of Discovery World, said at this week’s Parkersburg City Council meeting. While $2 million has been raised from various sources, the bulk of the funding came from the Ross Foundation.

“Hopefully it brings youth and families back downtown and retains youth and families” in the area, Tres Ross, executive director of the foundation, said at the meeting. “That’s what we want to do.”

Multiple soft openings have been held this month, but the museum’s first official day open is Sunday. Hours are noon to 5 p.m., with Shriver saying attendance may be limited at times, so people shouldn’t plan on all showing up right at the start.

Tres Ross, Executive Director of the Ross Foundation, right, cuts the ribbon with support from family members and board members at the Discovery World on Market VIP reception Friday. (Photo by James Dobbs

Admission is $8 for children, $7 for adults and $6 for senior citizens. Annual family memberships are available at $100 for two parents and up to four children, with grandparent plans for two grandparents and up to four grandchildren at $75.

Shriver said there have been some technical difficulties in getting membership cards printed, but folks who have already purchased memberships can be admitted by providing their name and email address.

Discovery World will be open to the public Wednesday through Sunday, with Mondays and Tuesdays reserved for school field trips. Shriver encouraged people to check the website dwonmarket.org as the hours may shift for the first few months until the best schedule is found.

Wendy Shriver, left, executive director of Discovery World of Market, makes an opening statement during the Discovery World on Market VIP reception Friday. (Photo by James Dobbs)

Ernie Thomas picks up balls to fill the Ball Factory during the Discovery World on Market VIP reception Friday. (Photo by James Dobbs)

Peter Thomas wanders around with one of the Ball Factory balls during the Discovery World on Market VIP reception Friday. (Photo by James Dobbs)

Jill McDonald, right, education manager of Discovery World on Market, stands under the Ball Factory as it rains the balls collected during the Discovery World on Market VIP reception Friday. (Photo by James Dobbs)

Leo Lech, Discovery World on Market board member, shows off the water table, which teaches kids the concept of damming, during the Discovery World on Market VIP reception Friday. (Photo by James Dobbs)

Discovery World on Market was packed with board members, guests and city officials during its VIP reception Friday. (Photo by James Dobbs)

Discovery World on Market was packed with board members, guests and city officials during its VIP reception Friday. (Photo by James Dobbs)

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