Playspace, Exploris to consolidate space

Playspace (which has always seemingly had a good reputation) and Exploris (uh ... not so much) have joined forces and will unveil their partnership as one children's museum in late September, according to the News & Observer.

"The combined museum will reveal its new name at a grand opening Sept. 29 at Exploris' existing location on Moore Square in downtown Raleigh," says the paper.

Playspace and Exploris have been in merger discussions since last year. The talks were held up by Exploris' debt, which was $5 million in August 2006.

Bill Johnson, president of Progress Energy and chairman of Exploris' board of directors, said the nonprofit enters the merger in good financial condition.

"You take two pretty good organizations and have the potential to make a great attraction downtown," Johnson said. ...

Playspace, which targets a younger audience than Exploris, had been seeking room to expand. The nonprofit received $25,000 from the city of Raleigh last fiscal year.

The combined museum will target children up to 12 years old using Exploris' 83,000 square feet of exhibit space. Edwards said the new museum will offer more high-energy and interactive activities, including a digital media studio that will allow children to record music. ...