MYTHS & FACTS

Myth #1: It’s too big.
Fact: Contrary to some beliefs, size does matter. Our Mission is to revive the economy of our Region. This can only be done with a “Destination” attraction large enough to attract over 300,000 visitors.

Myth #2: Aquariums lose money. This will, too.
Fact: True. Most Aquariums are built with significant Government funding to provide low cost education and entertainment for the General Public. The Musarium is not an Aquarium nor will it be Government funded; however, it is a non profit organization, and the goal is not to make money, but to draw tourist dollars to the Region.

Myth #3: It won’t survive the winter with few tourists.
Fact: The Musarium is a year-round indoor facility and will be adjoined with other attractions such as an indoor water park, planetarium, amphitheater for the arts and sciences, etc. Winter tourists will radiate to the Musarium to complete their visit for the area’s other winter activities.

Myth #4: Community will have to pay for it when it fails.
Fact: The Musarium will not be funded with taxpayer money, and will not be bailed out with taxpayer money. If it fails, it will just be another boarded up building added to all the others in the Community.

Myth #5: There aren’t enough tourists in this area to support it. Fact: Very true. That’s why it must be built as a “Destination” attraction, that will attract tourists within a 6 hour drive time. By the way, there are 50 million people within that 6 hour drive time.

Myth #6: We plan to raise the entire amount for the project here in Warren.
Fact: Not true and not possible. A professional fundraiser will be hired to raise the money nationally from major corporations, foundations, and individuals interested in tax deductible donations, education, and environmental conservation.

Myth #7: A $80 million fish tank?
Fact: It will be 80,000 square feet of magic, an indigenous aquarium with sensorama and virtual reality and 20,000 square feet of outdoor exhibits and activities.

Myth: #8: We don’t need another museum.
Fact: There is no museum or aquarium like this anywhere in the world.

Myth: 9: Our community will have to sustain this.
Fact: Tourists from around the world will sustain this, and it will economically stimulate our area, preserve our history, increase our tax base, provide employment and will build businesses and opportunities.

Myth #10: The people behind this project are paying themselves huge salaries and benefits.
Fact: Unfortunately, this is not true. Not one penny of compensation or benefits has been paid to any person, organization, or business associated with the Musarium. There are no employees, only volunteers, who by the way have contributed over 8,500 volunteer hours, and many thousands of dollars in services and materials.

***We want to keep the community informed every step of the way. Our vision is that this Musarium be a community project, benefitting the community in many ways. We would like to have local people be involved in every step, from the planning of the building to the operation of the completed musarium. Yes, we will have to hire outside planners and developers who specialize in this type of development, but we intend to use local contractors whenever possible.