DICKSON, Tenn. (WKRN) — David Ribbs blends science and religion in more than 100,000 square feet.
“As a Christian, I believe in divine inspiration, preservation, and a greater plan,” he said.
As a child, Rives was fascinated by life outside and within Earth.
“I distinctly remember picking up stones in my backyard…I picked up stones and realized some of them weren’t stones at all,” he said. “Some of them were fossils.”
So when the opportunity arose a year and a half ago to buy the old Renaissance Center in Dixon, Ribbs jumped at the chance.
“We really wanted something special that would get the public interested and amazed by science and the design and complexity of everything around us,” he said. .
With that came the Wonders Center and Science Museum.
Mr. Rives spent millions of dollars remodeling this huge space, filling it with unique artifacts, several live animals, and even a Tesla coil that uses electrical voltage to create music.
“We really wanted to create something that everyone could enjoy, not just in the community, but across the country,” he said.
The news spread to Dixon, and Dana Wright, Kristen Raines, and their children came to visit.
“That’s great,” Raines said. “I would be happy if there was a facility nearby that I could take my children to.”
“I think it’s great,” Wright added. “I think this is a great way for everyone to get an education, but it also gives people an opportunity to do something.”
With a 450-seat theater and a diner theater downstairs, Rives believes his museum will attract visitors.
“Based on our projections, we expect hundreds of thousands of people to explore this area annually, many of whom will be staying at least outside the county and many out of the state,” he said.
Rives knows that combining these two themes can lead to speculation, but he believes they actually work well together and allow the museum to create a unique experience for families who stop by. believe.
“When we go out, we surprise and inspire you, and all of these things point to the bigger picture, the Grand Designer, who created these things for us to enjoy.” I want you to think about that idea,” he said.
While the museum is officially open to the public, Ribbs said an official ribbon-cutting ceremony and dedication ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 12.
Learn more about the museum here.