Our History
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!
The Iowa Children’s Museum opens in Coral Ridge Mall.
Phase 2 of exhibits open, including Imaginacres, the Family Resource Room, Playworks, and the party room.
The museum holds the first Move It! Dig It! Do It!
Take Flight opens as a permanent exhibit.
The Iowa Children’s Museum has its one-millionth visitor.
The museum hosts the first Jack SPLAT! The original location for the event was inside the museum.
Notion of Motion: The Science of Skateboarding opens.
The Iowa Children’s Museum celebrates its 20th anniversary with City Money being renovated and reopened.
The museum closes as the Coronavirus pandemic affects the nation, reopening in July with additional health and safety precautions in place.
The Iowa Children’s Museum joins the ‘Museums for All’ initiative, offering free admission to qualifying families.
Take Flight renovations are completed with new ways for children to learn about the forces of flight.
