Sci-Port recognized as 2012 Attraction of the Year | Arts & Culture

Sci-Port: Louisiana’s Science Center received the Louisiana Travel & Promotion Association’s 2012 Louey Award for the Attraction of the Year Thursday in Lake Charles. Lt. Gov. Jay Dardenne presented the award to Sci-Port’s President/CEO Ann Fumarolo.

“It is truly an honor for Sci-Port to receive this award,” said Fumarolo. “We are so appreciative of the support from the state and our local tourist bureau for helping bring more visitors to see Sci-Port and what we offer the community.”

Sci-Port hosted BODIES REVEALED in spring last year, and more than 40,000 visitors experienced the world-traveling exhibition at its Shreveport stop.

In years past, the Attraction of the Year award was presented to Laura Plantation; Creole Nature Trail All-American Road; Houmas House; Destrehan Plantation and Historic New Orleans Collection.

Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau President Stacy Brown said, “We are so excited that Sci-Port: Louisiana’s Science Center has been recognized by the Louisiana Travel Promotion Association as Attraction of the Year. Sci-Port continues to wow our visitors with amazing exhibits and exciting programs that attract people from throughout the Ark-La-Tex.”

BODIES REVEALED was the first of two groundbreaking exhibits to occupy Sci-Port in 2012. Dardenne’s office awarded funding for the exhibit with early anticipation of its success.

“The Louisiana Office of Tourism is pleased to partner with Sci-Port for BODIES REVEALED,” Dardenne said. “This great exhibition will have a positive impact on the community and the region's tourism industry.”

BODIES REVEALED provided the public with an opportunity to see inside carefully preserved real anatomical specimens and learn the detailed structure and function of the human body. The Exhibition has received worldwide acclaim, attracting nearly 15 million visitors in cities around the world.

In addition to bringing tourists into the Shreveport-Bossier area from across the region, the Exhibition generated new community partnerships, as well as programs and demonstrations for both school groups and the public.