MOXI welcomes its one millionth guest with a special surprise

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – There was a special surprise for a family when they walked into the Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation (MOXI) in Santa Barbara Thursday. They were the one-millionth guest.

A confetti cannon went off and the staff was ready with a cheer.

DJ Gavin Roy played upbeat music for the special event.

Vincent Regina had his two children on his side. He said he is a member of MOXI and comes often with his kids. "I thought he was going to tell us it's closed and we couldn't come in because there were so many people." He was then told he was the one millionth customer. "It was more than we expected," he said.

MOXI opened in 2017. It is located in what was once a vacant piece of land on State Street next to the Santa Barbara train station.

MOXI President and CEO Robin Gose said, “What an accomplishment! We're thrilled to have become such an integral part of the Santa Barbara experience and a trusted resource for science learning. We're looking forward to many years of fun and discovery ahead." She said the milestone was, "it's a million minds ignited, it's a million moments of play, it's a million people that have come through out doors and be able to do hands on STEAM exploration,   So it's really exciting."

She said the museum is playing a role in the love for science at all ages. New exhibits and concepts are introduced annually. There's also a summer camp taking place.

MOXI is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.