Niagara Falls newest attraction is officially open! The War of 1812 in Niagara Falls is proudly dedicated and honored within sand in the opening of “Sand and History“, a Sand Sculptures Exhibition in Niagara Falls. This unique attraction located at the old Niagara Falls Memorial Arena at 5145 Centre Street, dedicates its figures to the War of 1812 in Niagara Falls and 200 years of peace between Canada and the USA.  After many months of rebuilding and unforseen delays, this new Niagara Falls attraction is officially open for business. V2 Niagara Inc., the Russian consortium that bought the arena for $1.04 million did a complete facelift to the arena and transformed it into a magnificent exhibition including the greatest political, military, national and First Nations heroes.

Two days after the Sand Sculpture Exhibition opened, I took the short jaunt up Clifton Hill to Centre Street to check out the newest addition. Admission is $16 adults, $13 students/seniors and $11 children. Kids eight and under are free. The hours of operation are Monday to Sunday from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm.
The first thing I thought of when I entered this museum focused on the War of 1812 in Niagara Falls, was what an amazing educational experience for students coming to Niagara. They do offer group rates, so taking a class trip to the “Sand and History” museum is a great option come the Fall season. Combined with the educational element that Clifton Hill offers students with student packages that combine many attractions such as the Niagara Skywheel and the Movieland Wax Museum and even lunch at Wendy’s Clifton Hill, this could guarantee a unique day out for classes in the upcoming season. Local icons are commemorated here with magnificent sand sculptures of the Major-General Sir Isaac Brock, the leader of the First Nations Confederacy – Tecumseh, Lieutenant Colonel Charles – Michel de Salaberry, Canadian heroine Laura Secord to name a few! Fascinated with the  intricate detail of the sand sculptures, I asked Olesya Islamova, Executive Assistant of V2 Niagara Inc. how long it took to construct the sand sculptures. From start to finish (including the sketches) it took approximately four months!