In just two days, La Nube STEAM Center will open its doors with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 am, transforming Main Street into a bustling hub of excitement and learning. The grand opening event promises a day filled with food trucks, live performances, VIP guests, and hands-on science demonstrations that will bring La Nube’s mission to life right in the heart of El Paso.
Main Street will be closed off to traffic, making way for a vibrant celebration from 10 am to 4 pm. Food enthusiasts can indulge in delectable offerings from food trucks such as:
- Off the Grill Barbeque
- Chase the Taste Burgers
- El Amore Food Truck
- Koane Ice
- Gozo’s Ice Cream (unveiling a special La Nube ice cream flavor)
Inside La Nube, the Little Stars Cafe, operated by Downtown favorite Healthy Bite, will serve nutritious meals and snacks, catering to even the pickiest eaters. The cafe is open during La Nube’s operating hours and welcomes both visitors and the general public without the need for a ticket.
The event kicks off at 10 am with VIP guests including Mayor Lesser, Interim Executive Director Stephanie Otero, Executive Director Eric Pearson from the El Paso Community Foundation, and Joshua Hunt from the Hunt Foundation. VIPs will get a first look inside La Nube, with doors officially opening to the public at 11 am.
The grand opening will feature back-to-back performances by youth groups starting at 10:15 am, including:
- Kids Excel
- Ballet Folklorico
- Paseo del Norte Mariachi
- Loretto Academy Show Choir
- Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Dance Group
- Youth Jazz Orchestra
- Tocando Music Project
- Desert Eagle Dance
- LA Teen Studio
Additionally, there will be selfie opportunities with city mascots and more, ensuring a fun-filled day for all ages.
In keeping with its mission to provide transformative STEAM experiences, La Nube has invited the UTEP Engineering Department and Insights to host exciting science demonstrations. Attendees can look forward to engaging experiments and interactive activities that showcase the wonder of science and technology.
La Nube stands out among STEAM centers nationwide, thanks to its deep commitment to inclusivity and accessibility. Built from the ground up with extensive community feedback and a public-private partnership with the City of El Paso, La Nube ensures that all visitors, regardless of age or ability, can fully enjoy its exhibits. The center features a four-story, 50-foot inclusive climber, wheelchair-accessible obstacle courses, accessibility pads for visually impaired visitors, family restrooms, and a nursing room. Sensory hours with adjusted lighting and sound levels are available daily to accommodate all visitors.
La Nube embraces bilingualism, with exhibits featuring both Spanish and English in a non-hierarchical manner. Each exhibit at La Nube is unique, including a one-of-a-kind airplane launcher with a 3D model of the Franklin Mountains, an expansive indoor water exhibit, and more. Every aspect of the museum is designed to inspire curiosity and wonder.
The El Paso Community Foundation has been a crucial partner in bringing La Nube to life, supporting its mission to provide accessible and inclusive STEAM education to the El Paso community. This partnership underscores the center’s commitment to community involvement and support.
Mick Martinez, Director of Marketing for La Nube STEAM Center, invites everyone to come out and explore this extraordinary museum. “This is not your average museum. This is a museum that is interactive, where you can bring the little ones all the way to your abuelitos. This is the place where you will discover something new every time you come.”
Don’t miss out on this unforgettable grand opening event! Tickets are available at la-nube.org, and the celebration promises to be a memorable day of community, learning, and fun. Come and be part of the journey at La Nube STEAM Center, where innovation meets inclusivity.
