The Imperial Centre for the Arts & Sciences

We first got here and wasn’t sure if we were at the right place; the building looks absolutely nothing like a museum. Once you get inside, you are greeted by the desk that you pay for your tickets to get inside. Then you have the option of going to the right for the kids area and the shows (Warning, do not expect these shows to be really mature. One was called «Planetarium Exhibit» but it was actually a cartoon designed for a younger audience. They did have a laser show set to 80s classic rock like Queen and Pink Floyd and that was really enjoyable) and to the left is the art area. I am not sure if it was just temporary, but we went upstairs to find a Lego exhibit, and it was pretty cool to see. I would recommend it for families or teens, but there’s not much there if you are an adult without children or a child-​like mind.

This was an excellent find in downtown Rocky Mount,
I have to preface my review. Due to a work schedule change I found myself in this area with almost three hours of free time before I had to head to my work assignment. This was one of our first high heat summer days, and I got on google while having lunch to see what air conditioned options I could find. Fortunately I found this on a list of «things to do in Rocky Mount» and decided to see what it was about.
The facility is mostly in an old tobacco brick building, and houses three different sections: a children’s museum, a performing arts theater, and the Maria V. Howard Arts Center.
During my visit, the main exhibit at the Maria V. Howard Arts Center was «the art of the brick», an exhibit of works by Nathan Sawaya where the artist created works using Lego bricks. It will be on exhibit through 9÷6÷15 and well worth a view. Also on display were several juried art shows and some permanent artifacts, such as a 300 year old spinning wheel and a carriage made in the late 1800s.
The Children s Museum has a $ 6 admission charge and featured lots of interactive computer stations to help them learn about dinosaurs. It also has a planetarium and a science center with two live animals — a 40 year old 13 foot long Burmese Python and an American Alligator who was being very active. The alligator surprised me (scared me would be more accurate) when it suddenly turned towards me with its jaws open and hissed. Yes I know it was behind glass and I was in no danger but still scared the crap out of me!
They did an excellent job of showcasing the character of the old brick facility while making it a usable and attractive space for its three sections.
Excellent venue for art and education. Give yourself a few hours to enjoy it,