The International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS) is excited to bring the NASA “Driven to Explore” Exhibit on December 9-10, 2008. Driven to Explore has no admission charge and is designed for all ages and venues.

The NASA Johnson Space Center Driven to Explore Exhibit is a mobile multimedia experience showcasing the Shuttle Program, the progress of the International Space Station and benefits of space exploration leading into NASA’s next major program, Constellation. The walking tour includes breathtaking imagery and state-of-the-art models of the Constellation Program’s next-generation launch vehicles and human spacecraft destined for use to explore the moon and beyond.

As part of this unique exploration experience, visitors will learn why NASA is going back to the moon and how and what astronauts plan to do while there. Plus, visitors will have the unique opportunity to touch a 3 billion-year-old moon rock brought back abroad Apollo 17, the last manned mission to the moon in 1972. The moon rock is the centerpiece of the exhibit and is one of the only seven lunar samples in the world made available for the public to touch and feel. Other displays, some interactive, may accompany the exhibit. These displays would be housed beneath an inflatable tent, which will be installed in the IMAS parking lot.

Come and enjoy the excitement of the new space program with a free exhibit at IMAS.

The mission of the International Museum of Art & Science is to promote a deeper appreciation of the arts and sciences through exhibitions, cultural events, and educational programs; and to expand, preserve, and display its permanent art and science collections. The museum is located at the intersection of Bicentennial Way and Nolana Avenue. Monday: closed; Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Thursday: 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Sunday 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. IMAS will be closed on the following days: Thanksgiving Day, Thanksgiving Day After, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years Eve, and New Years Day. General admission is $7 for adults, $5 for students and seniors, and $4 for children ages 4 to 12. Children under age 3 are free, and unlimited general admission is provided on a complimentary basis to IMAS Members. On Sundays, between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. IMAS offers free general admission, thanks to the generosity of Hidalgo County and the City of McAllen.