The California Science Center is Awarded Re-Accreditation from the American Association of Museums

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 3, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The California Science Center has again achieved accreditation by the American Association of Museums (AAM), the highest national recognition afforded the nation's museums.

AAM Accreditation brings national recognition to a museum for its commitment to excellence, accountability, high professional standards and continued institutional improvement. Developed and sustained by museum professionals for more than 35 years, AAM's museum accreditation program is the field's primary vehicle for quality assurance, self-regulation and public accountability. It strengthens the museum profession by promoting practices that enable leaders to make informed decisions, allocate resources wisely, and remain financially and ethically accountable - all in order to provide the best possible service to the public.

"AAM Accreditation exemplifies the pinnacle of excellence in the museum community and the California Science Center is pleased to receive this honor. Excellence is something we strive to express everyday as we continue to stimulate curiosity and inspire science learning in the 1.4 million visitors a year that experience our exhibits, events and  programs," notes Science Center President Jeffrey N. Rudolph. "This is made possible through our staff and the many members, donors, and volunteers who support us."

The Science Center has been accredited since 1975. All museums must undergo a re-accreditation review at least every 10 years to maintain accredited status.  Of the nation's estimated 17,500 museums, only 779 have achieved accreditation. Of that number less than 10% are science and natural history museums. The California Science Center is one of 59 museums accredited in California.  

"Accreditation is emblematic of an institution's commitment to public service and to overall excellence," said Ford W. Bell, AAM president. "Attaining accreditation involves taking a hard look at yourself, allowing your peers in the field to do the same, and being judged to be superior in all areas.  The people of Los Angeles can take great pride in the fact that their local institution is one of America's premier museums."

Accreditation examines all aspects of a museum's operations. To earn accreditation a museum first must conduct a year of self-study, then undergo a site visit by a team of peer reviewers. AAM's Accreditation Commission, an independent and autonomous body of museum professionals, considers the self-study and visiting committee report to determine whether a museum should receive accreditation. While the time to complete the process varies by museum, it generally takes as much as three years.

The California Science Center is a dynamic destination where families, adults and children can explore the wonders of science through interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, innovative programs and awe-inspiring films. Its mission is as follows:" We aspire to stimulate curiosity and inspire science learning in everyone by creating fun, memorable experiences, because we value science as an indispensable tool for understanding our world, accessibility and inclusiveness, and enriching people's lives."

General Info: The California Science Center and IMAX Theater are located in historic Exposition Park just west of the Harbor (110) Freeway at 700 Exposition Park Drive, Los Angeles. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. For recorded information, including IMAX show times, call 323.SCIENCE (323.724-3623). IMAX ticket prices range from $5.00 to $8.25. For advance ticket purchases, group rates, or to make reservations for any visiting group of 15 or more (required), call 213.744-2019. Parking is available in the guest lot at Figueroa and 39^th/ Exposition Park Drive at $8 per car, $25 for oversized vehicles. Both the Science Center and IMAX Theater are wheelchair accessible. For further information, please visit our website at www.californiasciencecenter.org.

The American Association of Museums has been bringing museums together since 1906, helping to develop standards and best practices, gathering and sharing knowledge, and providing advocacy on issues of concern to the entire museum community. With more than 15,000 individual, 3,000 institutional, and 300 corporate members, AAM is dedicated to ensuring that museums remain a vital part of the American landscape, connecting people with the greatest achievements of the human experience, past, present and future. For more information, visit www.aam-us.org.

SOURCE California Science Center