Big Changes Ahead for Moody Family Children’s Museum at Perot Museum
An exciting new phase is unfolding for the Moody Family Children’s Museum located within the renowned Perot Museum of Nature and Science in Dallas. The museum is partnering with NorthernLight, a design firm based in Amsterdam, to embark on a major renovation project that will not only double the museum’s size but also significantly enhance its mission of teaching STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) concepts in a playful and engaging manner.
This transformation will mark the first collaboration of NorthernLight in the United States, a noteworthy milestone for the firm. General contractor Bruns has been appointed to oversee this ambitious project, bringing its extensive expertise to ensure the vision becomes a reality.
What’s New? A Sneak Peek at the Expansion
The redesign will introduce many exciting features designed to enrich the educational experience for young visitors. For families with toddlers, the new museum will unveil an expanded toddler area that provides a safe and engaging environment for the youngest learners. In addition, a creative “makery” will be introduced, encouraging children to express their creativity and engage in hands-on projects.
One of the standout features of the redesign is a larger outdoor area, which will incorporate a programmed waterfall—an element that promises to captivate and cool off kids during the hot Texas summers. The project also includes the development of an “immersive imaginarium” in collaboration with Children’s Health, aimed at delivering interactive and multisensory experiences that will deepen children’s understanding of health and wellbeing.
Another highlight in the new museum will be a climbing structure crafted by the internationally acclaimed artist Toshiko MacAdam. This artistic yet functional element will not only encourage physical activity but also serve as an aesthetic focal point of the revamped space.
Currently, the Moody Family Children’s Museum spans 6,259 square feet, but upon completion of the renovations, the new space will stretch to an impressive 11,000 square feet. This expansion is set to broaden the museum’s reach as it currently caters primarily to children aged one to five. With the enhancements, that age range will extend to include children up to the age of seven, allowing the museum to serve a larger segment of young families in the community.
Building a Future with STEM Education
At the core of this renovation is a commitment to leveraging modern technology and innovative design principles that focus on igniting children’s natural curiosity through play. “The redesign continues the Perot Museum’s founding vision to deliver cutting-edge science education to children and families in our community,” proclaimed Linda Silver, the CEO of the Perot Museum, at a recent preview event. She expressed her hope that the renovations would ensure visitors “never outgrow the Perot.”
The anticipated opening of the newly refurbished Moody Family Children’s Museum is set for May, with the current facility closing its doors in January for the transformation. Popular activities from the existing museum will still be available to the public, albeit temporarily, as the excitement builds toward the grand reopening.
Collaboration with Design Experts
Mike Spiewak, the museum’s vice president of exhibitions and operations, emphasized that this renovation pursues a radical shift away from traditional prescriptive exhibits. “We really wanted to focus on creativity,” Spiewak stated. His team was drawn to NorthernLight’s past projects as they have demonstrated a visual storytelling capability while emphasizing creative exploration. After extensive discussions and a two-day visit to the design team’s studio, there was a strong sense that NorthernLight was the perfect partner for this ambitious reimagining.
Previous endeavors by NorthernLight include notable projects such as the Artificial Intelligence Pavilion in Germany and the Ricola Experience in Switzerland. The firm prides itself on the ability to find the urgency in a project and convey that as a compelling narrative for its audience.
During the design process, key themes such as exploration, discovery, creativity, and wonder guided the development. Spiewak asserted that the museum is focused on providing a safe space for children to explore and discover without the fear of being wrong. “It’s about being able to have that autonomy, to discover freely,” he noted.
Conclusion
With the upcoming renovations, the Moody Family Children’s Museum at the Perot Museum is set to become an even more dynamic place of learning and fun for young children and their families. As it develops its commitment to STEM education through interactive experiences and creative play, it’s clear that the museum will continue to inspire a love of science and learning in the hearts of Dallas’s youngest residents. Be sure to mark your calendars for the grand reopening next May—this is an exciting chapter you won’t want to miss!
