We’ve spent the past 25 years filling our space with hands-on exhibits that encourage open-ended, self-directed play because research shows that play is essential to childhood development. Every exhibit supports one or more of our five educational initiatives: Arts & Culture, Financial Literacy, Healthy Kids, School Readiness, and STEM.
A One-of-a-Kind Space
What makes our space truly unique is that most of what you see isn’t outsourced—we build it right here! From our recently renovated Take Flight exhibit to the Courtyard of Curiosity, every detail of our exhibits is designed, curated, and handcrafted by the local artists and makers on our exhibits team (plus a few awesome volunteers and local contractors).
With more than 150,000 guests walking through our doors each year, exhibits are designed to be accessible for kids of all abilities and durable enough to withstand daily play from hundreds of children. We ask guests to treat our space with care, but we know that if kids can play with it, kids can find a way to break it.
We also design our exhibits with how kids actually learn in mind. Many elements are intentionally created to support schematic play—a pattern in how kids grow and learn that explains why they’re drawn to repeating certain actions over… and over… and over again.
What is Schematic Play?
Schematic behavior is how a child investigates a specific concept through their play. This can look like a toddler repeatedly throwing an object in the air, lining objects up, stacking items, and so much more!
When children repeat behaviors like these—often returning to the same exhibit or activity visit after visit—they’re not just playing. They’re exploring important ideas like cause and effect, spatial relationships, and movement. Repetition allows them to deepen their understanding over time and build a solid foundation for future learning.
At first glance, it might look like “just doing the same thing again,” but it’s actually brain-building in action.
Why We Don’t Have Traveling Exhibits (and Why That’s Okay)
We’re sometimes asked why we don’t bring in traveling exhibits. While we love the idea, the reality is that our space doesn’t allow for these temporary installations, which come with logistical challenges (and often a hefty price tag). So our tried and true exhibits stay mostly the same, with updates and refreshes in two or three rooms each year.
But here’s the good news: we know repetition and familiarity are incredibly beneficial for young learners. Rather than constantly swapping out large-scale exhibits, our team works year-round to refresh and reimagine our space while keeping the elements that kids look forward to revisiting.
Sometimes that means rotating smaller interactive elements. Sometimes it’s a full-blown room makeover (like our recent updates to Lights Out!). Either way, our museum is always changing while still giving kids the consistency they need to grow through play.
Packed with Play
To make the most of our space, our small but scrappy exhibits team takes a “more is more” approach, adding murals, photo ops, props, dioramas, and other interactive elements everywhere they can. They also follow a strict “no beige walls” policy to create a colorful space that fuels imagination. We want every nook and cranny to have something to touch, try, push, pose with, or giggle about, whether you’re 3 or 93.
So on your next visit, keep your eyes open for something brand-new…or something you’ve missed. You might be playing in your child’s favorite exhibit for the hundredth time, but that’s exactly the point! Repetition helps kids learn and grow, and we’re willing to bet you haven’t seen it all yet.
