Wonder Universe is
a nonprofit children's museum located in Christiansburg, Virginia serving the New River Valley and southwest Virginia.
Wonder Universe, with the support of community partners, provides a playful learning environment that inspires children, caregivers and educators to discover and learn side-by-side.
Our Vision
Wonder Universe educates, amuses, and inspires children and families through play.
Our Mission
Testimonials
Testimonials
- Our four and six-year-old are always so excited to visit Wonder Universe. We love the variety of exhibits and that there is always something new to explore. Personally, I love meeting other moms there and getting to know each other. The staff is very loving and shows a deep passion for building a safe and fun environment for families to play.Danielle White
- My four-year-old autistic son was in heaven! He loved the fire truck and all the little toys. It's a great way to burn off some energy.Kayla Custer
- I love being able to watch kids build and create using their imagination as the only guide.Katie More
- Our family absolutely loves going here! Our almost two-year-old has a blast especially playing in the kitchen area and toddler zone.Jenna Balser
Media
Media
Wonder Universe featured in ranking of Christiansburg, VA
Our Values
Play
We believe in the power of play. It is how children explore, discover, create, and learn. Child-initiated activities result in playful learning and positive shared experiences with caregivers and educators.
Inclusivity
We embrace opportunities for children and families with diverse backgrounds to interact and play together. We strive to ensure our museum reflects aspects of the many cultures, nationalities, and varied abilities of our members and guests.
Learning
We provide hands-on, inspiring learning opportunities for children that enhance their language, cognitive, motor, and social development, while cultivating a lifelong love of learning. At Wonder Universe, our focus areas help build essential early learning skills:
Partners
We value the unique resources, skills, and networks within our community, and we are committed to developing and nurturing community partnerships. We pursue our mission in collaboration with partners who support high-quality, impactful learning experiences for children and their caregivers.
Health/wellness
Environment
Arts
Regional heritage
Technology
Science
Parents and caregivers: Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in guiding children toward activities that promote active, joyful learning.
Educators: We support formal and non-formal educators by providing research-based, engaging exhibits and programming. We value educators as play partners
Community organizations: Businesses, nonprofits, civic organizations, and local government partners are essential partners in cultivating a dynamic and engaging museum experience for all learners.
Schools and universities: We collaborate with schools and universities in our community to leverage their rich resources and our shared passion for learning.
Meet Our Staff
- Peter SciannaOperations Manager
- Abigail RasnakeGuest Engagement Specialist
- Jaylen DavisGuest Engagement Specialist
Meet Our Board of Directors
- Linda CooperBoard Chair
Facilities and Public RelationsOccupational Health & Safety
NASA - Patrick MalloyCo-Chair, Board Devolopment
FacilitiesAttorney
Law Office of Patrick C Malloy, PLLC - Nikki RaynesTreasurer
Finance and Financial DevelopmentChief Financial Officer
Stateson Homes - Anna WorchSecretary
Financial DevelopmentAsst. Director of Alumni and Constituent Relations
Virginia Tech - Kelvin Gravely Jr.Board Member
Facilities, Financial Development - Elizabeth Larson, Ph.D.Board Member
Programs & Exhibits - Kaitlin MahoneyBoard Member
- Ryan Bower, Ed.D.Board MemberChief of Staff
Radford University
Contact us:
Phone: (540) 200-8231
Email: hello@wonderuniverse.org
Email: hello@wonderuniverse.org
