Sparking Play to Create a Better World
This year, we invested in play. For over 40 years, our museum has been a dedicated place for kids to learn through play. Every day, we hear the screams of excitement on The Scramble, see the concentrated faces creating art in The Studio and watch the teamwork sorting post office packages in Our World. These moments are building blocks for our children to gain skills they will use for life, and they are the reason we keep making investments in our exhibits and our future.
None of this is possible without your support!
A Place to Explore, Create, Imagine & Discover
400,000 Opportunities for Playful Learning
Looking back over the last four years, we are grateful and excited to be rebuilding our visitor and member numbers back up to pre-pandemic levels. For the first time since 2019, we surpassed 400,000 visitors this fiscal year! Museum memberships also grew to 14,100 families, a number we haven’t seen since before the pandemic.
Our continued growth in attendance highlights the great work of our dedicated staff. Box office staff, museum experience employees, custodians and security personnel work tirelessly to keep our spaces clean, fun and safe for each visitor.
“My son finally building the courage over the year to conquer your big slide!”
“We got this membership as a gift when I was going through a major medical crisis. The museum has been such a great place for my daughter to explore and play with different family members while I recover.”
“My son is now 7 and still loves the fire truck pretend play area just as much as he did when we first brought him at 3 years old! It is so fun to see his imagination change and grow.”
“I love watching my boys in the car wash exhibit and seeing the differences in their personalities in the way they interact with the parts of the exhibit. I love having a safe space for them to embrace mess, and a place where I don’t have to worry about cleanup!”
Monsters Teach Social-Emotional Learning
Regulating emotions, developing self-awareness and relationship skills are elements of social-emotional learning. These skills are vital to cope with life’s hard moments at all ages -whether it’s sharing a favorite toy, trying out a new sport or dealing with a flat tire.
Unfortunately, the pandemic caused major delays in social-emotional growth for kids as families dealt with stress and isolation. Most kids missed out on opportunities for peer interactions, where social-emotional learning blooms.
Thankfully, kids are resilient and their brains are primed for growth. And the best way for them to learn? Through play! Play creates space for kids to express themselves and experience a range of emotions. So where do the monsters come in?
Monsters can produce plenty of different emotions like fear, courage and silliness. In the Monsters on Summer Vacation exhibit that ran over the summer, visitors were prompted to think and talk about their emotions while bravely navigating an obstacle course, working together to feed a giant monster and letting loose on a light-up dance floor. Signs around the space gave grown-ups some background on social-emotional learning and why it’s important.
We’re proud to have the resources to showcase the power of play and keep our visitors gaining important skills.
Monsters Teach Social-Emotional Learning
Regulating emotions, developing self-awareness and relationship skills are elements of social-emotional learning. These skills are vital to cope with life’s hard moments at all ages -whether it’s sharing a favorite toy, trying out a new sport or dealing with a flat tire.
Unfortunately, the pandemic caused major delays in social-emotional growth for kids as families dealt with stress and isolation. Most kids missed out on opportunities for peer interactions, where social-emotional learning blooms.
Thankfully, kids are resilient and their brains are primed for growth. And the best way for them to learn? Through play! Play creates space for kids to express themselves and experience a range of emotions. So where do the monsters come in?
Monsters can produce plenty of different emotions like fear, courage and silliness. In the Monsters on Summer Vacation exhibit that ran over the summer, visitors were prompted to think and talk about their emotions while bravely navigating an obstacle course, working together to feed a giant monster and letting loose on a light-up dance floor. Signs around the space gave grown-ups some background on social-emotional learning and why it’s important.
We’re proud to have the resources to showcase the power of play and keep our visitors gaining important skills.
A Museum and Workplace for All
As a community resource for thousands of families, we are committed to being a diverse and welcoming place for everyone.
During this fiscal year, one in four museum visitors came through our Play for All access program. This important program provides free and discounted tickets and memberships to income-qualified families, and our Securian Financial Free First Sundays offers a day at the museum to everyone at no cost.
The museum also made progress on staff diversity and inclusion, measuring improved BIPOC retention and advanced intercultural competency. Connection Circles for BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ employees kicked off this year, creating space to build community and find support.
Welcoming All Families
The museum’s Play for All access program ensures that all families, regardless of income, can experience playful learning. The program provides:
-
- Free or discounted tickets and memberships to income-qualified families
- Free admission on Securian Financial Free First Sundays
- Discounted group visit tickets for organizations that predominantly serve students from low-income families
During fiscal 2023-24, more than 100,000 children and adults (25% of total attendance) enjoyed the museum through the Play for All program. Funding from the Minnesota Department of Education supports discounted tickets and membership. Securian Financial supports Securian Financial Free First Sundays.
Exhibits with Frequent Flyer Miles
Did you know that Minnesota Children’s Museum is the nation’s leading developer and producer of traveling children’s museums exhibits in the country? Pretty incredible!
In 2024, MCM Traveling Exhibits were in 19 different states across North America. We showcased our Traveling Exhibits at the Association of Children’s Museums (ACM) InterActivity Conference, the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) Museum Expo, the Association of Midwest Museums (AMM) Annual Conference, and the Assocation of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC) Annual Conference.
Traveling exhibits provide critical support for our museum operations, contributing an average of $1.1 million annually.
We currently have 12 exhibits traveling the world, including Thomas & Friends Explore the Rails, The Amazing Castle and Wild Kratts Creature Power!
Sneak peek! We have a new traveling exhibit coming soon. Game On! will bring some of our favorite board games to life. The exhibit’s first stop is here at Minnesota Children’s Museum in summer 2025!
Looking Ahead – A New Strategic Plan
In June, the Board of Directors approved a three-year strategic plan to guide the museum through 2027. It’s an exciting time, as we’re poised to expand our reach and make investments in our mission.
The plan also includes a new vision:
Kids play more. All children blossom into thinkers, dreamers and doers who are inspired to create a better world.
None of this would be possible without our incredible members, visitors, donors and supporters!
Thank you for supporting Minnesota Children’s Museum and investing in a playful community.
INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTORS
| Anonymous (5) Nicole Aagesen Smith Amber Abbott Monica Accola Kristen Adams Matt and Samantha Adey Melissa Aellen Deb Ahlquist and Steve Mundt Susan Akervik Zinia Akhtar Judith and Richard Albrecht Jonathan Aligada Farah Alsibai Jhordan Altamirano Charlene and Mark Altman Angie Andersen Wendy Andersen Beth and Richard Anderson Blake Anderson Brynn and Dan Anderson Gregory Anderson Jerome and Constance Anderson Joan Anderson Karen and Tim Anderson Kris Anderson Kristen Anderson Marlys Anderson Nicole Anderson Sandra Anderson Sarah Anderson-Gutz Ashley Antonishen Geetha Appikulam Catherine Araujo Bermudez Natalie Arazoza Aimee Arikian Debra and Dean Armstrong John and Shar Arnason James and Debra Arneson Nivedita Arora and Kaustav Majumder Wendy Arreola Tina Arthur Corey Ashmore Oregon Auden Patrick Auffret Paul and Tanya Auger William and Caroline Au-Yeung Amber Avery and Alex Nelson Erich and Jessica Axmacher Nathan Babcock Amarja Babtiwale Kayla Bacon Matthew Bailey and Kristin Gendron Mariya Balakireva and Dmytro Glotov Gamze Balci Heather Ballantine Marjorie Banitt Jaclyn and Nate Barber Jennifer Barett Sarah Barkdull Sarah Barnett Jason Barney John Baron and Snezana Maslakovic Aisha Barry Samantha and David Bates Debra Bauler Andrea and Jeff Beck Jacqueline Becker Jill and Mark Becker Steve Becker Paul Beckman Frank and Rachel Bedo Shannon and Andre Belland David and Rachel Benedict Karen Bennett Lucretia Bentrup Diane Berberich Harmony Bercier Cathy Berg Jonathan Berg Jonathan and Jeanne Berget Rahwa Berhane-Kittelson and Connor Kittelson Reva Berman Lisa Bernard Stacy Bernard Hannah and Danny Besmer Nate Bestick Amanda Betker Megan Beukema and Travis Rogers Marion Bidron Matthew and Kelly Birkenholz Lisa and Rick Birno Scott Bishop Krystal Blas Rodriguez Michelle Blodgett and Steve Kaari Kayla and Michael Bodine Laura Boehm Vock Ann and Jay Boekhoff Janet and Brian Boie Nick Borelli Daniel Borja Nychelle Bowie Tyler Boyum Tricia and Colin Brackeen Nicolas Bradley Will and Jessica Brady Katie Brand Brooke Brandenborg Brittney Brandys Jennifer Bratton and Keith Waxelman Brittany Brauer Teale Braun John Bredesen Kari Brenberg and Karly Kauf Grace and Ross Brennan Crystle Brenny Daniel and Maria Brewer Ann Brilley Ashley and Matthew Brown Benjamin Brown Trudy Brownson Maria Buan-Bertucci and John Bertucci Janae Buchan Dana Buechler Barbara and Ryan Buege Laura Burch Tina and Shawn Burke Ann Burkholder Jonathan Burns and Julianna Sanchez Sharon and Michael Burstein Brook Burton Pauline Bustos Brian and Megan Caauwe Alejandro Cabrera and Libby McMahon Stacey Cady Daun Caldwell Precious Caldwell Ann Capeder Lisa Capp Jordana Carabajo Anne Carayon Casey Carbert Cortney Carey Adam Carlson Andrea Carlson Andrew Carlson Andy Carlson Nicole and Pete Carlson Alissa Carney and Wade Kahout Angela and Taylor Carollo Kristin and David Carr Sarah Caruso and Richard Hurrelbrink Milene and Diego Carvalho Blair Casey Derik Casper and Amanda West Jonathan Cass Michael and Sara Cassidy Michael and Rebecca Castagnetto Oriana Castaneda Andrea Castillo Marie and Phil Cattanach Michael and Mary Cebuhar Maureen Cetera Ruda Chakraborty Rashmi Chamel Lellana Chang Linda Chang Victoria Charpentier Prashant Chegoor Anne and Jack Childs Adrian and Cynthia Chiu Nathan and Jenny Chomilo Jenny Christian Andrew Christoffel and Laura Rogers Sasha Christopher Karen Christopherson Salith Chuop-Vanthavong and Siengphachanh Vanthavong Beth and Ben Cieslik Erinn Cihak Liz and Patrick Clark Samantha and Kevin Clark Brian and Rebecca Cline Vanessa Cody Suzanne Colling Micah Collison Joel and Melissa Conaway Kristin Connell TJ Connor Emily Cook Jordan Coon Aaron Corfield John and Gretchen Corkrean Osiris Corona Jeanne Corwin Susan and William Costello Feliz Cozad Rebecca Craft Soham Craig Robert and Mandi Crane Doug Craven Eunice Crenshaw Joy Cristobal Martin Cruz Huerta David and Sue Cummings Elizabeth and Gregg Cummings Scott and Tracy Cummings Paul Cyr Erin Dady Troy and Kaiti Dalsveen Margaret Daly Marisha Daneshmand Britta Danielson Kris Davick-Halfen and John Halfen Dexter Davis Grady and Ayanna Davis William and Susan Davis Martha Dayton and Thomas Nelson Jacqui De Hont Grace De Jong and John Sooja Barbara Deans Anna Debbins Teresa Deeter David Dehn Sarah Delacueva Lori and Paul Delahunt Tiffany Demmons Lindsay Devore and Eliot Kohan Anna and Anthony Diaz Leidi Chesa Diaz Brianna Dietz Colton Dietz Lisa Digatono Trent Dilks Scott Dmyterko Julie Dobbs Shari Dobis Tom Dodge Margaret Dokka Charles Domeier Douglas and Katharine Donaldson Tessa and Jim Donovan Rochelle Dooley Vanessa Doran Larry Doten Jenna Dreier Bradon Dreyer and Donde Anderson Elizabeth Driscoll Joe Dufficy Mike Duncan Kevin Dutcher and Cathleen Clouse Sarah Earhart Steve Eastlack Tanner Eckhoff Sherry Edgett Jen and Merle Egeland Ryan Eggers Zachary Eickholt Raya Elan Brandon Elichuk Erin Ellingsworth |
Becky Emerson Helga Emrich Mike Engelhardt Yvette Enriquez Nicole Erdmann and Hector Reyes Rebeka Erdos Kate and Art Errickson Jill Evans Tessie Ewert Lisa Farrell Riley Farrell Nicole and Gregory Fedor Jaimie Feld Nicole and Mike Felicelli Andrew Ferron Michael and Brandy Fiddelke Nikki Filkins Janice Fink Joanna Fisher Autum Flanagan Justin and Beth Flattum Daniel Fleming Jocelynn Flom Michael Floyd Hannah Foley Dawn Follmer Mason and Amanda Fong David and Deanne Forkrud Johanna Fox Kristi and Jeff Fox Susan Frach Katherine Frank and Richard Kain Rebecca Frederick Stephen Friend and Ruth Shnider Kelly Frost Luisa Fuentes Lalitha Ganapatibhotla Prakash Ganesan and Shenbaga Pandyaraj Ruchen Gao Michelle Garber Uneica Garrett Nicole Garrison Patricia Garvey and Gina Ballina Theresa Gaspard JP and Susan Gatto Silvia Gaytan Krista Gentry Justine Gerads Ann and Ralph Germscheid Briana and Arend Geurink Corey Gibson Delanie Gieseke Melissa Gilkerson Meghan Gilligan Amy Giovanini and Ben Ahrens John Gohman Julianna Goldberg Gareth Goodall Susan Goodspeed Sumanth Gorur Michelle Graber Justin and Becky Grammens Allison Gredesky Phillip Green Elisabeth and Ben Greenberg Michelle Greenleaf Blake Griffin Bethany Griffith Roger Griffith and Jean Taylor Barbara Grimlund Gloria Gritz Barry Groebel Raymond Guessford Mayra Guillen Jagadeesh Gumparthi Guru Gunti Mamata Guragain Ashley and Sam Haag Judy and Bob Haas Leah Haasch Sally Habib Rick Hagelberg Leslie and Ron Hahn Emily Haider Mahmoud Hakima Natalie Halbert Natalie and Dan Hallquist Christine Halstead Linda and Harold Haluptzok Calvina Halvaei Nicole Hamernick Phillip and Mary Hammond Sunshine Hanevik Annie Hanford Baobie Hang Veronica Hang Ruth Hanold Crane and Doug Crane Jack Hansen and Joan Legare Hansen Erin and Parker Hanson Theresa Hara Janet Harding Shannon and Chris Harnden Devin Harrington Abigale Harris Heather Harris Julie Harris Kyle and Jessica Hartl Tom Haselman Nancy and Robert Hatch Rachel Hauser Maurice Hearne and Lori Holdridge Catherine Hedlof Brittany and Adam Heimer Margaret Hein Jordan and Tyler Heineman DJ and Melissa Heinle Debra Heitkamp Carol Hendricks Mina and Shawn Hendricks Laura and Waylon Hennen John and Michelle Henningsgard Waylon Hennon Chai Her and Jonpa Thao Kia Her Lou Her Pa Her and Vanara Tor Jamie and Chuck Hermes Nula Herr Elmer Herrera Diane and Jon Herrmann Samantha Hersch Anna and Cory Hetchler Emily and Michael Heyne Alison and Nate Hildre Nate and Ali Hildre Daniel Hill Sara Hill Jeanna Hinderer Jennifer Hinderscheid Jennifer Hjelmgren Brent Hoch Scarlet Hoffman Julie Hogan Shelly Hogan Bryan Hollaway Rachel Hollender Rachel Holmes Doug Holmgren Jason Holt Siri Holton Lisa Hondros and Steve Christenson Alexis Hong Alan and Martha Hopeman Deborah Hopp Caren Hosansky Jane Hotzler Shelley Houang Kathleen and Daniel Houser Nathan and Autumn Hubbell Mark Hubler Rachael Hueg Frances Hughes Paul and Suzanne Humbert Robert Hume and Carrie Lucking Kjersti Humphrey Michael Hunter Suzette Huovinen Kate Hust Lauren Hutson and Amy Hess Eric Hyde Micah and Morgan Hylarides Kelly and Renae Imholte Bob Ingrassia and Lida Poletz Brittany Inkel Adam Isabella Erica and Matt Iverson Matthew Iverson Caitlyn Jabrixio Leah Jackson Miranda Jacobson Andrea and Joseph Jaffee Thaer Jaghama Susan Janicke David and Kimberly Japuntich Erik and Jennifer Jensen Marilyn Jenson Abagail Johnson Alec Johnson Alexandra Johnson Cara Johnson and Travis Hardin Carmen and Brent Johnson Emily Johnson Jay Johnson Jodi Johnson Ron Johnson Ruth Johnson Susie Johnson Amanda and Tyler Johnstone Stephanie Jolin Dolores Jones Marsha Jones Jacqueline and Jake Jorgensen Jennifer Jost and Ryan Young Julie Joyce and Kyle Falconbury Jacky and Paul Junek Jeanne and Rich Junker Arthur Kaemmer Susan Kakela Christine and Mark Kalla Nancy Kamp Su Ryeon Kang and Bongjun Kim Shirley and Arnold Kaplan Raea Karch Laura and Daniel Kasey Beth and Rick Kathan Ravi and Rachel Katkar Benjamin Keefer and Sarah Anderson Stephanie Keen-Carlson Amanda and Paul Keim-Morrison Sarah Kellen Kirstin Keller Charlie and Emily Kelley Courtney and Chris Kelley Jymia Kelley Lisa Kelly Lisa Kemp Meri Kennedy Robert Kenzler Scott Kerns Sarah Kesler Susan and Michael Kimitch Cortney Kincaid Emily King Patricia King Steve King and Susan Boren Eric and Kate Kirchner Adam and Jenn Kirk Mimi Klane Miriam Klane Chanelle Klatt Rick and Julie Kleinschmidt Darleen and Robert Klemm Lydia Klinkhammer Evan Kneale Paul and Deb Knutson Darcy Koepp and Anthony Amigon Jeffrey and Debra Kohen Laurie Kohn Nancy Kolb Jamie Kollen Rachel Korynta Emily Koschak Natalie and Pete Kostroski Chelsea Krafcheck Kathleen Kramer Krista Kramer Stefan Krasowski Aina Kretchman Jeanne Krigbaum Dianne Krizan Kristina Krohn and Marc Rodwogin Jared Kronenberg |
Cecelia Kronschnable and Dalvin Seamster Kaitlyn Kruger Sue Kugler Sue Kuncio Simone LaBeau Jeffrey Lai Hannah and Charlie Lakin Nate Lane Caitlin Lang Jenna Lange Bobi Larkins Callie Larson Ellen Larson Monica and Kenny Larson Kenneth Lawley Judith Lear Barbara and Rolfe Leary Alexander Lebedev Danielle Leddy Hsu-Yi Lee and Todd Roggenbuck Jim Lee Kassie Lee Pa Lee Dana Lehigh and Dan Rossiter Ashley Lehner Heather Leide and Gregory Hulne Laura and Nick Lejcher Sharon Levitt Ben Lewis Hannah Lewis Jessica and Arthur Lewis Cesar Leyva Aifen Li Deborah Liang Reilly Liebhard Bee Lim-Albright and Brian Albright Sarah Limon Victoria Lindgren Erica Lindquist Jessica and Dan Lindstrom Kelly Link Ken and Violtta Lipetzky Carole and Peter Loehr Kevin Looney and Jerusa Carswell Jay Lopez Ka Lor Brenda Lowe Stephanie Lowe and Robert Myers Sam Lundquist Greda Lynn Kristen Lynn Sarah Maahs Daniela Magaña de Nelson Nicholas and Allison Mahowald Lariss and Roger Maldonado Patricia Malkerson Dechandra Malo Nova Malone Michelle Maltez Priyanka Mamidala and Rajesh Jidla James and Edith Mancini Jill Manske Mary and Robert Manske Jean Manson Artem Marantsman Tim and Jessica Marcantonio Jissel Marin Diaz De Leon Emilee Markman Emily Markson Katina and Jeffrey Markvicka Alisha Martell Tammy Martens Jess and Jim Martin Thomas Martin Jen Martinson Meghan Mason Timothy and Janice Maudlin Joseph Mauer Matt Mauntel-Medici Brianna Mavunga Mike and Jenny McCally Wade McEwen Claire and George McFall Patrick and Jody McGann Pat McGinnis Caitlin McGowan John and Terri McKeon Ian and Mai-Ching McLaughlin Kate and Ian McRoberts Stephanie Medvec Margare Meehan Kyle Meerkins and Abigail Bollman I Mejac Jackson Melius Natalie Mendez William and Katelyn Menkhaus Haley Mertes Bradley Mesich Richele and Steven Messick Kayelynn and Travis Metzen LeAnn Meyer Scott Meyer Elizabeth and Mike Meyers Margaret Michaelson Roberta and Paul Michalek Simon Mickelburgh Jason Milbradt Evan Miles Alex Miller Brian and Emili Miller Elizabeth Miller Eric Miller Karmi Miller Margie Miller and Megan Johnson Katie Milliken and Phil Mantyh Mary Minahan Sean Minnick Fatuma Mohamed Sumaya Mohamud Jake Mohan Brian Mohr Andrea Mokros James Momon Michael Monahan and Molly O’Shaughnessy Cory Monnens Garrett Monson Allegra Montanari Orlando Morales Ramon Morales Adam Morgan Patricia and Michael Moriarity Emily Morningstar Ahmed Morsy Chao Moua Tammy Moua Gudrun Mueller and Mead Mueller James and Natalie Mulrooney Frank and Emily Mumford Sordy Muor Elinor Murarova and Jozef Murar Jaclyn Murphy Musa Musa Catherine Musick Tom and Kate Musick Acsia Naessen Derek and Becca Naill Matt and Ericka Narr Michik Navant Rosemarie Ndupuechi Stephanie Neff Amanda Nelson Robert and Michele Nelson Theresa Nelson Zach and Andy Nelson-Winters Michael and Carol Nemanich Ann and Bruce Nerland Lindsey and Matt Newman Quang and Jill Nguyen Chad and Laura Nicholson Kirstin and Chris Nielsen Dana Nies Jordan Nies Anton Nikolov Anna Nitti Sally Noll Kathy and Clay Notch Praveen Nuthalapati Patrick Obele Jeanne Oberle Pat and Jackie O’Brien Gumersindo Ochoa Montiel and Reyna Rodriguez Kevin O’Conner Rebecca and Mark Odland Katherine O’Flynn Jacky Olivarri Daniel Oliver Benjamin and Kari Ollendick Anna Olson Bjorn and Blisse Olson Brandie Olson Danielle Olson Jason Olson and April Kaltveit Lisa Olson Roberta Olson Stacy Olson Quinn Omar Cassy and Philip Ordway John and Marla Ordway Karen Orn Steele and Kandi Osborn Keira Oscarson Clayton and Janna O’Toole Ruth Otto Loubna Ounasser and Darlyn Canini Peris Outa Jamie Overlund Ipamela Ozoria Joe Panaia Mary and Mike Parenteau Christopher and Danielle Parish Molly Parkos Leon and Jessica Partin Christopher Patten Lynn Patzner Shannan Paul Kristine and Larry Paulsen Suzanne and William Payne Genevieve Pearson Timothy and Kimberly Pepera Megan Persaud Nicole Peter Kara Peters Lois Peters Linda Petersen Tarrin Petersen-Rice Jane and Arthur Peterson Katie Peterson Larry and Judy Peterson Mary Peterson Scott and Sarah Peterson Jessica and Kevin Petrie Meagan Phillips Eugene Piccolo Andrea and Chris Piepho Ashley and Ben Pierson Daniel Pinkerton Sara and Arvin Pirness Mark Pletz Marcus Ploeger and Alicia Sieben Ploeger Marguerite Poeske Chris Pohlad Sara and Joe Pohlad Rebecca and Poindexter Sukay and Bryan Polley Rita Pomroy and Heidi Johnson Chrystal Pono Sarah and Michael Pontius Eugenia Popa Gaylene J Poretti Leann Posch Emily and Alan Post Brian Poulton Aeryuana Powell Michala Prigge Julie Prokosch Jillian Pultz Alexis Pyrlik Teresa and Stephen Radermacher Roshan Rajkumar Lorie and Kurt Rame Diana Ramirez Sean Rampersaud Marie Rangel Elisa Rasmussen Kathleen Ray Erin Raymond Rachael Redenius Ebonye and April Redwine Marguerite Regan Rianna Regenold and Jorge Moreno-Webster Abbey Reinhart Jon Reissner and Ann Ferreira Heidi Reitz |
Deyanna Respress Stephanie Reynolds Christina Rezac Carleen Rhodes Lori Ricke and Eric Dunn John Riehle Erin Riem Joy Rintala Dolores and William Rivard Belkis Rivas Nancy Rivera and Anthony Lopez Angela Ro Kabel Robbins Dillon Roberts Greg Roberts Leah Robey Sandra Robinson Kate Rocca Rachel Rockwood Carol Rodd Debbie Rodden Jill Rode Matt Rohman JoAnn Rollie Sofia Romani Monica and Ralph Romero Jackie Romey Kari and Dan Rominski Elizabeth and Rob Rominski Karla Ruacho Juliana and Mark Rupert Steven and Carolyn Russell Adam and Jena Rutgers Mark Ryan Giselle Rye Janet Saari Laddawan Sakjalernchaikun Dina and Mike Salmen Jessica Samuelson Julia and George Sand Gloria Sanford Lisa Sankey Kristina Saralampi Darlene and Joel Sauve Mike Schadeberg Kyle Schafer Seiko Schiller Jean Schlemmer Charles Schmidt and Kisha Delain Erin Schmidt Emily and James Schmittler William and Cindy Schmoker Allison Schoenecker Bob Schoonmaker Breanna Schug Sharon Schultz Bradford Schulz Ben Schutt Kristin Schwarze Ben Scott Stefanie and Nick Scott Soumya Sen Stephen Sencer Kyrina Sengmavong Andrea Seningen Liana Seuvaai Nicole and Joe Sever Patrick Shanahan Jyoti Sharma Saurabh Sharma Margaret Shea Sarah Shefte Kajuana Shepherd Haesun Shin Holly Shkolnick Kelly Shomper Allen Shyu Nadia and Wade Siddiqui Jackie Siepker Gada Simeso and Martina Korinek Timothy and Sarah Siml Adam and Helen Simonett Isabel Sin Kimberlee Sinclair and Justin Caron Melissa Sinkler Ruth Sippel Amanda and Eric Skalland Alicia Skow and Jamie Duncan Jalena Slaughter Julianne Slick Jesse Slimmer Morgan Smith III Jeanne Smith Matt and Katy Smith Laura Smith Gail Snyder Olufemi Solade and Brandon Overlie Jacqueline Solis-Cano Cara and Charles Soukup Edson and Valerie Spencer Julia Spencer Michael and Charlyn Spicer Julia and Saoirse Stanley Alexsis Steenson LeeAnn Steffen and Andrea Guglielmino Barbara and Norman Steinberg Austin Steiner Cassidy and Andrew Steiner Andrea Steinhoff Katy and Phil Stern Emily Steuerwald Rebecca and Paul Stever Paige Stewart Linda Stinski-Diaz Becca and Owen Stockdale Ronen Stoff Sharon Stoffel Elizabeth Stoneburg and Phil Romine Matthew Storeby Christina Strey-Wells and Morgan Wells Carley and William Stuber Nancy and Byron Sugahara Barbara Sundberg Jean Sundlof Rebecca Sutherland Melissa Svoboda Brittany and Brittany Swanson Jessica Swanson and Bob Valentine Nancy Swanson Nikki Sweeter Sara and Matt Swenson Chris Syed Jeffrey Syonesa Michelle Tabor Robert and Carolyn Tafelski Tim Taggart Christine Tang Christine and Bryce Tannahill Susan and Scott Taylor Katelynn Tebbs Giovanna Techy Terri Tersteeg and James Peterson Susan Tervola and Marcus Mason Ann Terwilliger Mao Thao Jeremy Thompson Susan Thompson Christina Thor Molly and Patrick Thornton Folasade Tiamiyu Katharine Tinucci Karen Tobler Adrienne and William Todd Ricardo and Emily Tolentino Lencho Tolossa and Lelo Bekuma Dawne Toombs Tiffany Toscano Aaliyah Tovar Alivia Towers Maria Traxler Claudia Trevilla Garcia Katy Tripp Clyde Tsai Vicki Tschida Ruby Tufte Jessica Turgeon Janis and Donald Tweedy Rachel and Nate Ulrich Kayla Ulsby Gabriela Uzcategui White Marissa Vacek Elizabeth Valenzuela Sebastian Valle Patricia Van Pilsum Biong Vang Cristen Vang Hue Vang Juliet Vang Kabao Vang Kaolee and Pang Vang Mai Vang Mai Vang and Vayee-Bao Lee Mena Vang Yin Lab Vang Vickie VanNess Peter and Amanda VanOverbeke Elize Vanwijk Rajendra Varadhan Andrea Vega Jeanne Vergeront and Andrew Dick Jamie Verhulst and Gretchen Hintz Karen and Thomas Vickman Melissa Volden Nanci Voyda Brian and JoAnn Vucinovich Gao Vue Pa Vue Nancy Walczak Colleen Wald Ian Walkowski Amber Walter Audrey Walters Kathryn Warneke Cody Warren and Michael Marcotte Craig Warren and Morcine Scott-Warren Jessica and Steven Warren Kelly Weaver Camille Webster-Smith Joe and Wendy Wegleitner Kristen and Joe Wegleitner Kathryn and Karl Wegler Rachael Weiker Linden Weiswerd Lark Weller Anna Wells Rebecca Wells Molly Wenner Elizabeth Westlund Mary Wetterlin Roxanne Weymouth Carla and James White Kari and Craig Whittlef Barbara Wiberg Lesli and Mark Wieczorek Christine Wiesman Karlie Willenbring Renate Willer Sheila and Pierre Willette Corey Wills Andrea and Joe Wilson Maybelle Wilson Sue Wilson Susan Wilson Melissa Windschitl Candace Winther Matthew Wirth Sarah and Matthew Wirth Betsy Wold Nathan Wollack Andrew Wolpers Harlee and Cate Wood Ryan Wood David Woodward Joanne Wright Hannah Wroblewski Linda and Timmy Wu Elisha Wulff Fuchie Xiong Tina Xiong Bee and Naowalak Yang Gaokangshing Yang Yer Yang You Yang and Will Langenenks Michael and Allison Yard Diana Yefanova and Erik Pearson Margaret and Bradley Yocum Patrick Yoon and Stephanie Rollag-Yoon Elil Yuvarajan and Kristi Wolfe Rochelle and Zach Zabadal Amelia and Naomi Zamora-Nelson Caitlyn Zank Kelly and John Zarth Mary Zaudkte Sara and Stephen Zawoyski William Zemanek Jodie Zesbaugh Drew and Cate Zinkel Lori Zobel |
CORPORATE, FOUNDATION AND GOVERNMENT CONTRIBUTORS
| 3M Foundation Abbott Laboratories Ace American Insurance Company Adogo Pet Hotels Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Andersen Corporation and Foundation Anonymous Anonymous Baldamar Bank of America Corporation Best Buy Company, Inc. Best Buy Foundation Bitty Kitty Brigade BMO Harris Bank Boker’s Incorporated Boss Foundation Boston Scientific Foundation Breadsmith Bremer Bank, St. Paul Buck Hill C.H. Robinson Worldwide Cafe Latte Can Can Wonderland Canadian Pacific Limited Candyland Carlson Family Foundation Chanhassen Dinner Theatre Children’s Theatre Company Como Zoo and Conservatory Soc Compass Capital Management Continental Diamond Cybergrants David B. Jones Foundation Ecolab, Inc. and Foundation EisnerAmper Foss Swim School Four Daughters Vineyard & Winery Four Seasons Fred C. and Katherine B. Andersen Foundation Give Lively Foundation |
Goff Public Great Lakes Aquarium Greater Twin Cities United Way H.B. Fuller Community Affairs Handy Products Hardenbergh Foundation Heppner’s Auto Body & Glass Hewlett Packard Enterprise Foundation Hightop Hospitality Horseplay Ranch Hotel Crosby Hugh J. Andersen Foundation IBM Corporation JE Dunn Construction Jester Concepts Jovie Lillian Wright & C. Emil Berglund Foundation Lilly Endowment Lions Tap Family Restaurant Lost Woods Whiskey Lucas Erickson Fund of The Minneapolis Foundation Luci Ancora & Ristorante Luci Macy’s Margaret H. & James E. Kelley Foundation, Inc. Margaret Rivers Fund Medtronic, Inc. MetroNOME Brewery Microsoft Microsoft Matching Gifts Program Midnight Mangos Studio Milk & Honey Ciders Minnesota Boychoir Minnesota Children’s Museum Minnesota Department of Education Minnesota Humanities Center Minnesota Kids Give Minnesota State University at Mankato Minnesota United FC Minnesota Zoo Mutual of America Foundation PayPal Giving Fund |
Pentair Foundation Piper Sandler & Co. PNC Bank Polaris Industries Inc Principal Financial Securities Pryes Brewing RBC Global Asset Management and Foundation Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation Rustic Roots Science Museum of Minnesota Securian Financial Foundation Sit Investment Associates, Inc. Slalom Slumberland Furniture, Inc. Soigné Hospitality Group Stages Theatre Co. State of Minnesota Taft Target Corporation and Foundation Tennant Foundation The Anderson Charitable Fund The Benevity Community Impact Fund The Darling Den The Head Family Foundation The Medtronic Foundation The Minneapolis Foundation The Original Coney Island Tavern & Café The Raptor Center The Red Balloon Bookshop Thrivent Financial Travelers Foundation U.S. Bank Foundation United Properties UnitedHealth Group UnitedHealthcare University of Minnesota Athletics Vertical Endeavors Wells Fargo Xcel Energy Corporation and Foundation Yess Yoga |
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OfficersDrew Zinkel, MD, Chair of the Board, Sr Executive Medical Director of Emergency Medicine, University of MN Medical Center |
Board Members Debra Bauler, Vice President of Global IT, Dow |
Lariss Maldonado, General Counsel, LifeSource |
Fiscal Year 2024
July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024
Statement of Financial Position
| June 30, 2024 | June 30, 2023 | |
| Assets | ||
| Â Â Â Current | $8,624,000 | $5,824,000 |
| Â Â Â Property & Equipment | $25,194,000 | $25,505,000 |
| Â Â Â Other Assets | $8,517,000 | $10,078,000 |
| Total Assets | $42,335,000 | $41,407,000 |
| Liabilities | ||
| Â Â Â Current | $3,191,000 | $2,930,000 |
|    Long Term | – | – |
| Total Liabilities | $3,191,000 | $2,930,000 |
| Net Assets | ||
| Â Â Â Without donor restriction | $33,285,000 | $33,413,000 |
| Â Â Â With donor restriction | ||
| Â Â Â Â Â Â Purpose and time | $1,944,000 | $1,149,000 |
| Â Â Â Â Â Â Perpetual in nature | $3,915,000 | $3,915,000 |
| Total Net Assets | $39,144,000 | $38,477,000 |
| Total Liabilities & Net Assets | $42,335,000 | $41,407,000 |
We are grateful to be a recipient of funding from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund that was created with the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008.
In fiscal year 2024, this funding played a crucial role in supporting our playful experiences and community engagement efforts.
Thanks to these funds, we were able to transform the hardware store into Our World Vet Clinic, renovate The Studio, open The Mud Zone in the Backyard, and introduce the exciting new Monsters on Summer Vacation exhibit.
Legacy funds also supported a relaunch of Family Nights at the museum. Through partnerships with community organizations, schools and employee resources groups, we held 11 events serving more than 3,000 visitors!