The Iowa Children’s Museum was founded in 1995 by parents and educators who recognized the need for a fun and engaging learning environment for children in our community. 

The museum opened a small pilot site in the former Iowa City Sycamore Mall in 1997. Two years later, the museum found its current home at the Coral Ridge Mall in a 28,000-square-foot space. At that time, the museum consisted of five main “galleries” including CityWorks, ImaginAcres, the Notion of Motion, Under Construction, and a rotating exhibit on the second floor. Over the years, we have expanded our exhibits and programs to serve a broader audience and become a vital resource for families throughout Iowa.

Today, we have 18 permanent exhibits and bring hands-on educational programming outside of our walls. We strive to cultivate a welcoming environment that encourages every child to learn through the power of play!