Welcome Center

The 28,000-square-foot Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Welcome Center features glass walls and a low roof to maximize views and connections to the Falls. It includes new ticketing and information desks; new concession spaces; restrooms and associated support spaces, a rooftop PV array, special patterned glass to prevent bird impacts, green roof elements and a separate restroom building. Enhanced site amenities include new accessible paths; native plantings; and wayfinding elements.

The final phase of the project, to be completed at a later date, will feature interpretive museum space including an immersive experience and exhibits highlighting a diversity of topics including natural, industrial and Indigenous American history, as well as outdoor exhibits and interpretive signage.

The building was designed by GWWO Architects of Baltimore and built by R.P. Oakhill Building Company of Buffalo. Other contributors to the building include The LiRo Group, Ty Lin, Trowbridge Wolf Michaels, a Fischer Associates Landscape Architecture Studio and exhibit designers Haley Sharpe Design of the UK and Toronto. The Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation contributed $8 million toward this project and as a result is named in his honor. Wilson was the owner of the Buffalo Bills and a co-founder of the American Football League.

Hours

Welcome Center

• Daily 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
• Special Hours for April 5-8: 8:00 AM - 7:30 PM

Shops of Niagara

• Daily 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Tastes of Niagara

• Daily 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM