Sony Wonder Technology Lab Celebrates 20th Anniversary

NEW YORK (April 21, 2014) – The Sony Wonder Technology Lab (SWTL), a free, four-story, interactive technology and entertainment museum in midtown Manhattan, invites children and their families to be part of its biggest celebration yet—its 20^th Anniversary!

The Lab, which occupies 14,000 square feet of space at 550 Madison Avenue in New York City, has welcomed more than 3.8 million visitors since opening its doors to the public on May 25, 1994. Today, its state-of-the-art exhibits, featuring equipment almost exclusively developed and manufactured by Sony, continue to captivate audiences from around the world, enabling them to utilize Sony content and technology to create a unique digital profile, explore the inner workings of electronic devices, create animated characters, program robots, perform virtual surgery and much more.

In honor of its 20^th Anniversary milestone, SWTL is hosting two very special “birthday” celebrations on Saturday, May 10, and Saturday, May 17, from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Both days will feature robot mask making, and face painting, as well as an opportunity for visitors to take “selfies” in the Birthday Photo Booth, play pin the eyes on BB Wonderbot (the Lab’s first robot mascot), and participate in an exciting BB Wonderbot scavenger hunt.

“For two decades, the Sony Wonder Technology Lab has stood as a concrete expression of Sony’s commitment to education in the fields of science, technology and entertainment,” said Karen Kelso, Executive Director of SWTL. “What better way to commemorate this momentous occasion than to invite New York area residents and visitors from around the world to come celebrate the many wonderful things the Lab has to offer.”

On Saturday, May 10, children can take part in a special sing-along featuring Sesame Street veteran, Bob McGrath (11 a.m.-12 p.m.), who will be on site to sign autographs and give away treats. Later, visitors can catch a playful performance by the Burdetsky Family Circus Duet from 1-2 p.m. in the Lab’s HD Theater.

The fun continues on Saturday, May 17, with a “Recycled Robots” workshop (11 a.m.-1 p.m.), where participants use recycled materials to create their very own robot creations. The robot theme extends down to the Sony Plaza Atrium with the High School of Computers and Technology from the Bronx, New York, presenting the robots they created for the 2014 FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Competition (11 a.m.-1 p.m.). Also at 11 a.m., the African Rhythm and Tap Dance Company, Feraba, will have kids moving their feet to the unique fusion of West African sounds and American tap dance. Plus, children age six and up can participate in an interactive drawing game with famed cartoonist Frank Caruso in the Lab’s HD Theater (12:30-1:30 p.m.).

Aside from these events, those who visit the Lab this May can learn more about its history by visiting its “Blast from the Past” memorabilia display on the second floor. Free robot-themed screenings of films such as “Wall-E” and “The Iron Giant,” will be offered on Saturdays in the HD Theater.

All activities and events require general admission to the Lab, which is free, and are available on a first-come-first-served basis. For more information on the Lab’s 20^th Anniversary activities and to plan a visit, go towww.sonywondertechlab.com.

About the Sony Wonder Technology Lab
The Sony Wonder Technology Lab (SWTL) is a free, four-story, interactive technology and entertainment museum for all ages. Located in mid-town Manhattan, SWTL inspires creativity in a high-quality, engaging and family-friendly learning environment. By inviting visitors to experience the latest technologies in a hands-on setting, SWTL nurtures curiosity while awakening visitors to their own talent and potential. Through its permanent exhibits and innovative programs, including Sci-Tech workshops, ongoing screenings and associations with well-respected local non-profit and educational institutions, SWTL aims to educate and cultivate the next generation of leaders in media, science, technology and the arts. The Sony Wonder Technology Lab is open to the public Tuesdays-Saturdays, from 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., with the last museum entrance at 5:00 p.m. each day. For more information, visit www.sonywondertechlab.com.

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Contact: Natalie Nunez, Sony Corporation of America; 212-833-6876; natalie.nunez@sonyusa.com.