News Media Resources

Jessica Petrie
Director of Marketing and Communications
651-225-6110
jpetrie@mcm.org

Bob Ingrassia
Vice President of External Relations
651-225-6011
bingrassia@mcm.org

Quick Facts

• Mission: Sparking children’s learning through play
• 11 Hand-On Exhibits: 10 permanent exhibits, plus a gallery for special exhibits
• Kid-Powered Play: Open-ended activities that build brains and bodies
• Amenities: Café and coffee bar, store, party spaces, comfort rooms
• Renovation: Opened as an all-new museum in June 2017 following a major renovation and expansion

The new exhibits focus on open-ended activities that put children and their imaginations in the driver’s seat.

• Kids develop lifelong skills such as creative thinking, confidence, communication, collaboration, critical thinking and more
• Imagining possibilities, tinkering, storytelling, sharing, working together, trying new things, making adjustments
• Activities that put the focus more on the doing, less on the outcome
• Activities without directions -- seeing the power of kids figuring out things on their own
• Avoiding telling children what to do and how to do it
• Avoiding asking kids to memorize facts and figures

The museum is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit community organization that relies on the donations of individuals, corporations and foundations to continue to provide one-of-a-kind experiences and education for children.

Inspiring More Play

The museum is dedicated to inspiring more play. Play is powerful and universal. It’s an innate impulse in kids that helps them thrive and grow into healthy, happy adults. Yet, pressures on play — like screen time, adult-led academic activities, safety worries and busy family schedules — continue to decrease the amount of time kids spend playing.

Through play, kids learn how to learn, build relationships with others, and develop life skills that set them up for future success. Equally important, when kids play, they have fun, which leads to joy and happiness. Play is not frivolous, it’s essential.

That’s why we’re focused on inspiring more play by providing a welcoming, safe place for kids and families to explore, discover and learn. We also offer resources for parents [Link to Parent Resource Center] to support their child’s playful learning.

Providing Access for All

The museum is committed to providing access to the museum for all families regardless of their income.

• Play for All program: free museum memberships for qualifying families
• Securian Free First Sundays: Free admission to the museum every third Sunday of each month for all visitors
• Family Nights: Special nights offered to local organizations that specialize in supporting low income families