The Perot Museum of Nature and Science recently unveiled plans for a significant transformation of the Moody Family Children’s Museum, nearly doubling one of its most beloved spaces for families and children.
Grounded in cutting-edge early education research, the reimagined children’s museum will offer interactive exhibits and experiences designed to spark creativity, inspire curiosity and develop critical thinking skills.
Why This Matters
The expansion will strengthen the Museum's reputation as the region's leading children’s museum, extending its programming to serve children up to age 7 and providing enriching experiences for toddlers through early elementary students.
“We believe in the power of exploration and discovery, especially in the formative years,” Chief Learning Officer Drex Owusu said. “This expansion increases the way we give kids agency to learn, explore and grow. The reimagined Moody Family Children’s Museum will ignite the imagination of every child through the awe and wonder of nature and science.”
What To Expect
The Moody Family Children’s Museum expansion will increase its sizet from 6,259 square feet to almost 11,000 square feet, allowing for an even greater impact on young learners.
After an extensive international search, the Perot Museum selected the globally acclaimed firms NorthernLight and Bruns as the design-build contractors for the project. Renowned for their expertise in creating interactive early-education exhibits for museums and public spaces, this marks NorthernLight's first project in the United States.
Highlights of the transformation include:
- Expanded Toddler Area: A larger, specially designed space for younger children to explore and engage in age-appropriate activities in a safe, open environment.
- Creative Makery: An innovation hub where budding problem-solvers can channel their creativity and develop skills in design and engineering.
- Immersive Imaginarium: A fully interactive, multi-sensory experience that invites children to explore and discover, embodying the redesign’s "nurture imagination" theme.
- Larger Outdoor Area: An upgraded outdoor space featuring a programmable waterfall and natural play elements to inspire exploration and connection with nature.
- Toshiko MacAdam-Designed Climbing Structure: A stunning playscape created by renowned artist Toshiko MacAdam, seamlessly blending art and physical play in a vibrant and iconic installation.
“The redesign continues the Perot Museum’s founding vision to deliver cutting-edge science education to children and families in our community,” Perot Museum CEO Dr. Linda Silver said in an official statement. “For more than a decade, we have been inspired by the children and families who have grown with us. The renovation to the Moody Family Children’s Museum ensures our visitors will never outgrow the Perot.”
When To Expect It
The current children’s museum will temporarily close in early January 2025 to undergo renovations. To ensure enriching experiences continue, popular activities from the existing children’s museum will be relocated and available starting mid-January 2025.
Meanwhile, visitors can explore a variety of engaging exhibits at the Perot Museum, including the newly opened Glow Lab, which debuted on Nov. 22. This interactive exhibit offers a vibrant, illuminated space filled with modular inflatable units, encouraging creativity, playful experimentation and collaboration.
The reimagined children’s museum will prepare to reopen in May 2025.
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