Capital Campaign

A two-story addition and new exterior space for outdoor programming is coming to Downtown Erie! This expansion will double our current space, include 150 hands-on exhibits, alleviate the current need for parking with 25+ museum dedicated parking spaces, and expand programming and exhibits to children over age 8.

The new museum will expand the accessibility of STEAM knowledge and experience to all area children, contribute to the revitalization and desirability of the city core as a place of choice to do business, work, live, and visit, and serve as a community hub where children and their families from diverse backgrounds interact, share, and get to know each other!

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Campaign Booklet

Exterior Perspective

WATER Play Perspective

LAKE-Life Perspective

The smART Studio Perspective

Move it Move it! Perspective

MY ERIE Perspective

Gear icon by the expERIEnce Children's Museum

Young boy looking down by the expERIEnce Children's Museum

World-class exhibits focused on STEAM – science, technology, engineering, art, and math – will encourage children to problem solve, create, collaborate, and innovate – all skills needed for the 21^st century.

Three person icon in purple by the expERIEnce Children's Museum

Exterior render of the museum by the expERIEnce Children's Museum

A significant downtown presence will help draw residents, visitors, investors and businesses into the city core.

Paperwork icon in red by the expERIEnce Children's Museum

Young girl in red shirt looking up by the expERIEnce Children's Museum

The new Children’s Museum will be a common ground where children and families from different economic, social, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds under one roof to play, share and learn from each other in unscripted ways.

Pyramid of 'ABC' blocks icon in yellow by the expERIEnce Children's Museum

Woman teacher and young boy smiling together by the expERIEnce Children's Museum

“We LOVE seeing families at the expERIEnce Children’s Museum because families practice new skills in many different ways. Our therapists really appreciate the large variety of exhibits. The museum is a huge asset for therapists and families with young children.”

– Bebe Martin MS/CCC-SLP

Director, Bebe Martin Speech Therapy LC

Apron icon in blue by the expERIEnce Children's Museum

Young boy with a donatos apron on by the expERIEnce Children's Museum

“I love coming to the Children’s Museum Cooking Camp because I learned to measure, follow a recipe, and food safety. Someday, I am going to give scholarships to kids to learn from me in my restaurant.”

– Dash McCullum

Age 9

3^rd Grade Student

Apple icon in red by the expERIEnce Children's Museum

Teacher smiling with three kids standing in front by the expERIEnce Children's Museum

“As a first grade teacher for many years, I find the expERIEnce Children’s Museum to be exceptional on every level. It is very rewarding to watch my students’ interactions, listen to their conversations and witness their excitement in engaging and learning amid the many museum activities”

– Mrs. Cindy Smiley

Tracy Elementary School

Millcreek Township School District

We are proud to bring a new, elevated children’s museum to downtown Erie. A space that Erie deserves, the new children’s museum is being built to see more kids and families than ever before and to be a hub to create, explore, imagine, and play. We are thrilled to share this magical space with the community!