This page contains a Flash digital edition of a book.
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT


200 North Broadway, Suite 1000 St. Louis, Missouri 63102 314.231.7318 www.pgavdestinations.com


Destinology is a quarterly publication produced by PGAV Destinations, a world class consultancy, designer, and architect


for zoos, museums, aquariums, theme parks and hospitality worldwide. To subscribe to


Destinology and receive the latest Destination research and strategic innovations, contact marie.shellenberg@pgav.com.


Featured Project:


CONNER PRAIRIE’S NEWEST EXPERIENCE TAKES FLIGHT


Fishers, Indiana – Interactive history park Conner Prairie has launched its newest immersion experience, a helium-filled, tethered balloon that allows guests to voyage 350 feet in the air. As the only balloon of its kind, set in an historical context, in the United States, the balloon along with the interactive aviation exhibit provides a new opportunity for families to learn about the science of aviation through the lens of history.


“1859 Balloon Voyage tells the remarkable story of how the first successful delivery of air mail via balloon happened to occur in Indiana,” said Ellen M. Rosenthal, Conner Prairie President and CEO. “Our exhibit will, in the Conner Prairie way, be based on painstaking historic research, some of which was conducted in partnership with the Smithsonian Institute. It will place visitors at the Courthouse Square in Lafayette in 1859 as the balloon rises.”


This $2.2 million exhibit opened in May. The un-inflated balloon is a total of 17,700 square feet – three times the size of a basketball court – and shares the record for the world’s largest balloon. Perhaps most notably, the balloon experiences gives viewers an excellent view of Conner Prairie’s preserved central Indiana landscape – and views of downtown Indianapolis, which is several miles away.


During its first season, the 1859 Balloon Voyage outstripped all attendance projections. Originally set to capture 5% to 10% of Conner Prairie’s general attendance, the ride actually captured an average of 35%! In less than two months after opening, it had its 10,000th rider. During the fireworks displays at Symphony on the Prairie evening concerts, the ride was sold at a $40 premium, regularly selling out. Average ticket price (with all discounts) was approximately $10.50.


PGAV assisted Conner Prairie with the development of the 1859 Balloon Voyage as part of a comprehensive master plan. For more information about Conner Prairie and the 1859 Balloon Voyage, visit www.connerprairie.org.

Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8