New Experience Updates Coming to Forces at Play and Our World This Summer

We’ve got exciting updates planned for some of your favorite museum exhibits this summer. From bubbles to firefighter training tunnels, here’s a quick look at what’s in store.

Get Ready for New Experiences in Forces at Play

In July, the water side of Forces at Play is getting an upgrade. In addition to a brand-new floor, we’ll also be adding some new play features for visitors to explore. Get ready for new bubble trays, a fog bubbles table and more.

Both the Forces at Play and The Backyard exhibits will be temporarily closed from Monday, July 14 through Wednesday, July 23 as we make these updates. During this time, we’ll have special bubble programming happening on Tip Top Terrace to keep the fun going.

New Firefighter Training Center Coming to Our World

Later this summer, the Our World fire station will close its doors… and re-open with a focus on firefighter training! Don’t worry—the beloved fire truck isn’t going anywhere. But the adjacent space will be completely reimagined and rebuilt to focus on how firefighters train together to be a fast and efficient team.

Lockers and display cabinets will feature a mix of real fire equipment and tools to touch and learn about. A short “confidence course,” modeled after a real firefighter training exercise, invites new trainees to don their gear and crawl through the tunnel as they navigate obstacles. There will also be a gear lift where visitors can feel just how heavy firefighting gear really is.

Museum staff have been working closely with the Saint Paul Fire Department in developing this new experience. In addition to sharing knowledge and expertise, the department has provided tools, gear and more that will be featured in the exhibit.

Once construction on the fire station begins, portions of the Our World gallery may be closed at times as our team installs the new experiences. Disruptions will be minimal and the rest of the gallery will remain open for play.