USbased creator of visitor experiences JRA will provide master planning and design for the new Children’s Museum of Eau Claire (CMEC), Wisconsin, US. The museum’s downtown Eau Claire location will increase the museum’s footprint, open doors for new partnerships in STEAM education, and further its mission of inspiring children and grown-ups to learn through play.
Groundbreaking for the 26,000-square-foot museum will take place in late spring or early summer in preparation for a 2022 opening. JRA’s master plan and design for the new CMEC includes state-of-the-art exhibits, programming, and outdoor space, with exhibit fabrication provided by Chicago Scenic Studios. The site will also feature a preschool.
CMEC is a leader in serving low to moderate income families. More than 1,400 children from low to moderate income households participate in CMEC’s Play for All membership program. Since the launch of this program in 2015, and because of generous private philanthropy, CMEC gave back $217,482 to the community through subsidizing these Play for All memberships.
This month, CMEC received its largest capital campaign gift t date: $500,000 from the Pablo Foundation. Pablo Foundation’s executive director, MaiVue Xiong, commented: “We believe education comes in all forms, from traditional classrooms to learning through play. We are excited to partner with the CMEC to not only build upon its success in creating educational experiences through play, but to extend these types of learning experiences to as many people in our community as possible, regardless of their socioeconomic status.”
While planning of the project continues during the next six months, CMEC will continue focusing on forging new partnerships and building more support across the community – from individuals, volunteers, businesses and foundations.