April 1, 2021
What: After more than four decades, the Science Museum of Virginia now realizes its name was unsexy and was holding us back from viral status. If only we would have called ourself the “Adult Museum” from the start, our quirky digital content could have gotten millions more views and Gen Zers across the country would already know about the stimulating experiences we offer.
When: Apparently having the name “Adult Museum” generates instant fame as recently demonstrated by TikTok user @b.radman13.
On March 29, @b.radman13 posted three videos on the social media platform showing various snippets from her Museum visit, from the colorful ceiling lights in The Forge to the ever-moving Foucault Pendulum to the More Cowbell experience in the Boost! exhibit (just in time for Christopher Walken’s birthday, by the way, but we don’t understand why that video didn’t go viral).
The trio of clips have a collective viewership of more than 13 million. In addition, the viral success of @b.radman13’s videos generated its own round of media coverage.
Who: Henceforth and forevermore, refer to us at the Adult Museum.
Please note: As for the hundreds of thousands of children we inspire each year, we are still evaluating how this name change impacts their future visitation status. We are also reviewing all content to ensure it is adult enough for the millions of viewers who are surely coming for a visit after watching, sharing and commenting on the videos for the last three days.
For now, adoring fans will have to accept our Robin Leach portraying, Ramones covering, Pulp Fiction making, Wayne’s World loving, Bill Murray referencing, and Olivia Newton-John dancing video clips.
Why: “Evidently TikTokers think ‘Adult Museum’ is a better name than Science Museum of Virginia so I announced to staff we are changing our name effective April 1,” said Chief Wonder Officer Richard Conti. “Instead of listening to our marketing folks, from here on out all promotion and branding decisions will be solely based on what TikTok users deem worthy. It seems like the most adult thing to do.”
How: While the newly renamed Adult Museum still isn’t quite sure how @b.radman13’s video generated so many views so quickly, said Museum is grateful for the exposure they generated … and the money it saved on any future rebranding efforts.
For interviews about the Science Museum of Virginia’s love for April Fool’s Day, please contact the newly named Manager of Adult Communications.