BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — A new children's museum is one step closer to opening on Buffalo's waterfront.

A groundbreaking ceremony for the $27 million Explore & More Children's Museum was held on Wednesday. The 43,000-square-foot museum is expected to open in the area known as Canalside late next year. Planners project it will attract 250,000 visitors each year.

The new four-story Children's Museum will feature seven Buffalo-themed educational play zones.

Plans call for retail space on the first level, a two-story atrium space with a water exhibit on the second floor, other exhibits on the third floor and a rooftop terrace with a view of the city and the Buffalo River.

The museum is currently located in East Aurora.

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