The Barnwell Center!!!!

Posted by Vulnadia on Jun 18, 2009 at 02:52 PM BARNWELLCENTER WEBSITE!!! You have probably passed The Barnwell Center a million times and never even realized what it was or what surprises are hidden away inside it! During Christmas, it us usually lit up and resembles a sort of carousel in all its holiday glory. The Barnwell Center is that domed building to the left of the fountains on the river front accross from Sciport (if you are facing the fountains.) Remember that it is very hot in there because it is a tropical garden...but it is really fun for little kids. You will feel like you are in a jungle of sorts because some of the plants are HUGE!!!! It's very humid inside, even in the winter, for obvious reasons. Don't let this deter you from checking it out! Inside, there is a tower for climbing that is still fun even when you are an adult...a wishing well for wishes and a small pond. There are also walk-ways that winds through out the gardens that are great fun to explore!!!! If you go during the summer, go into the observatory first, then cool off by taking a turn thru the various art exhbits. There are paintings hung along the hallways and in the gallery spaces towards the front. There is also a bathroom on the other end opposite of the observatory!!!! (for future fountain enjoyment ease!!!) Also, go out the back doors and check out the mezzanine area. There is a little staging area out back, more terraced artwork and the river to watch!!! If you aren't sweltering by that point, you can have your picture taken at the pirate cut out. Make sure you don't forget to explore the gardens to the side of the Barnwell as well! There is a bricked over fountain directly beside the building. It was a fountain long ago, when I was little, but now it hosts some memorial and it is fun to play in for little folk. If you keep going along the river, there is a door/gate that will lead you down to the actual river itself. You will want to hold on tight to your munchkins, its not railed the whole way, but its fun to go where the sidewalk ends and feel small next to the river and watch the boats!!!! Remember to stop and enjoy the tiered fountain next to the ampitheater . And just for fun, stand on the stage and sing your favourite song to your friends!!!! You will be directly in front of the rose light statues and it is just fun!!! The Barnwell Center is an often overlooked gem along the riverfront and well worth a trip to explore everything under the dome!