LA HABRA : Children’s Museum Opens Its New Wing

The La Habra Children’s Museum opens its new $500,000 wing today with an additional 8,000 square feet for exhibits, workshops and other events.

Another $200,000 has been allocated to new exhibits, equipment and start-up costs.

Museum Director Catherine Michaels estimates that attendance will double to 200,000 visitors per year as a result of the expansion.

For today’s grand opening, scheduled from 10 a.m to 4 p.m., entertainment and events include a mime performance at 11 a.m. and a Japanese drummer group at 1 p.m., according to Michaels. Admission will be free today only.

With a bright entry hall featuring a black and white checkerboard floor, the new wing was designed to complement the original building, which was built in 1923. Among the attractions are an indoor bee observatory (the insects enter and exit through a chimney), a model train village and historical exhibits in a caboose.

The museum began operating in 1977, becoming the first such facility in the state. It attracts families and school groups from throughout Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino counties.