Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences of West Virginia

1 Clay Square, Charleston, WV 25301, USA

Address:	1 Clay Square, Charleston, WV 25301, USA
Phone:	+1 304-561-3570
Site:	theclaycenter.org
Rating:	4.5
Working:	Closed 12–5PM 12–5PM 12–5PM 12–5PM 12–5PM 12AM–5PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 13

katfish365247

Clay Center has really declined since 2010. The only exhibits they have now are what they call "Grossology" which is just basically big displays of cartoon pictures with sayings like " Hey kids, Did you know that your body produces boogers, mucus, and farts that stink?" I am not kidding. The art museum was craptastic at best. There wasnt a single famous artist picture there and what was there looked like they took the really cheap birthday party favor toys and glued them into a piled structure, it didnt resemble anything, but labeled it as "abstract art." The downstairs exhibits had Dora the explorer type plastic play ovens/kitchen sets so that the kids could flip plastic hamburgers, the exact toys that you will find in any yard sale in a box for $5.00. The Planetarium isnt about learning astronomy, planetary movements or stars like it used to be, but has been turned into a cartoon. We were so upset after traveling 2 hours to have family fun that we asked for a refund of sorts. They will not give you a refund. All sales are final as soon as you give them your money, beware of that. Maybe a 2 year old doesnt know that the body produces mucus, boogers and farts, but my 3 sons: whose ages are 12, 9, and 3 years old, know how to fart & pick their nose. They were not amused at all. The people working there were nice, but we came for educational fun and this is geared for a 2 year old at best. At our local mall in Parkersburg, they have a free playland for small children with rubber toys that they can climb over and around, that is more fun for kids than this place. They (Clay center management) said they have record attendance! I had to make this review to try and possibly help other people traveling long distances from wasting their money and time. This place now makes Cosi in Columbus, OH look really great. It didnt used to be that way though.

Gina Mccloud

My 3 year old loved the Grossology exhibit, mainly Nigel Nose it all so I bought a membership :) its small but very educational , they ALWAYS have special events going on like every Thursday is story time with arts/ crafts & bigger events on the weekend. The entire downstairs is a cool town with ton of child size business for them to play make-believe. Your child can be anything from a banker to the President!! Its actually quit beautiful with a river and park like setting running through the middle of the town. Im sure we will be long time members :) An added bonus if you travel you can get in other art & science museums either free or at a discounted rate. For instance we have family in Columbus so I plan on going to COSI ( for free) when we visit. A great place for children of all ages to learn while having fun!

A Private User

I still miss SunRise, but the Clay Center has some good points too. For one, its a lot easier to get to. Fairly close to downtown and right off the interstate exit, you dont have to do back hand springs to explain to someone how to get there. Another is that there is parking. Real parking. Theres a theatre inside that does fantastic star shows. Also laser shows and movies, but those dont particularly interest me. So far as the hands on stuff goes, I feel theyre a little lacking, but the kid I babysat loved it.

BELINDA FOX

The performance hall of the Clay Center should not be missed. It is a wonderful venue to enjoy a night out with family and friends. Last night, I enjoyed listening to the symphony, but before that ... The conductor gave us an inside talk ... Exploring the nuances of the pieces, times, artists who wrote and performance. Cookies lovingly made by the parents of Junior Symphony were in the great hall where the youth regaled and warmed us with their music. It was a lovely night out of the cold of a late spring storm.

Donna Miller

This is a great place for small children. Its basically a childrens museum that is all hands on activities. My 2 year old nephew and 3 year old niece loved this place. We spent well over 4 hours here and they didnt want to leave. The museum is well kept. I was disappointed that part of the museum was closed. Prices I believe are a little too high. $9 for adults and $7.50 for children. Children under 2 and under are free. I wouldnt recommend going if you dont have children with you.

Stacy Warrick

Lovely space. My children enjoyed all 3 floors and a showing at the planetarium. Very well kept. The staff is very friendly and the prices at the concession stand were quite reasonable. The Childrens Museum in the basement is really good. They have a full stage theater and an auto garage, which I hadnt seen at other childrens museums. The Grossology exhibit is highly amusing. Excellent presentation and very engaging. My children happily spent over 4 hours here.

Jack King

The Clay Center is geared generally towards a younger audience with their attractions and I couldnt believe their art gallery had a fee to get in. The person at the front desk couldnt even tell me what style of art was on display, so no thank you, Im not going to pay for art that may be of a genre I wouldnt care to see to begin with. I truly hope they open up the art gallery for free for the Charleston, WV Art Walk. =/

Teresa Mercedes

So much to learn through hands on, interactive exhibits that are engaging in a fun way. My kids didnt even realize they were learning while having fun. The venue is organized and the lay out is efficient. Admission is fairly cheap. Id recommend not eating there though. Prices were sky high and they were out of half of what they offered on their menu, on a day for homeschoolers that was pretty crowded.

John Giroir

One of the shining stars of Charleston, West Virginia! The Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences has a wide variety of events in an elegant and sophisticated facility. Whether it is the Digital Dome, Art Gallery or performance, the Clay Center will not disappoint! If you are looking for something fun to do, especially with the family, see what is happening at The Clay Center for Arts and Science!

Mary Pritt

Nice clean center but the parking is horrible. Being handicap with walking issues and no one to help me blocks to walk unless you get there hours Ahead is impossible for me go go to any events there. I guess if I was rich and could afford a driver it would be ok. What dummy would put a beautiful entertainment facility in that location???? Probably one of Danny Jones projects.

Jeannie Hartford

The admission price for what you get to do is fantastic, and we ended up going when a big section was closed down and the planetarium already finished with their showings. The whole town in the lower level for kids is very cool, especially since it is more than just things to play with. My daughter loved it!

Betsy Hill

My family really enjoys the interactive activities from oldest 50+ to youngest age 3. The annual membership is definitely worth it. We go at least on average at least once a month. Clay Center has become one of our favorite places to go in the Charleston area.

TJ Hapney

So disappointed. School groups were there with little to no supervision. The kids basically ransacked the place as they did not have chaperones tending to the children. Not Clay Center staffs fault, but made for a miserable experience.