Donations already have begun coming in since Wonderscope Children’s Museum of Kansas City recently announced the public phase of its $15 million capital campaign to fund construction of its new museum at Red Bridge Shopping Center.
The museum is seeking contributions from individuals, organizations and businesses that will be matched dollar for dollar up to $4 million. As reported in this column earlier, the matching funds are from the Regnier Family Foundation.
“Kansas City deserves a world-class children’s museum similar to other major cities including St. Louis, Omaha and Denver. This is a great opportunity to show your support and maximize the impact with a matching gift,” said Roxane Hill, Wonderscope executive director.
Donors will be recognized on the new museum’s special donor wall. “We want Kansas Citians to feel this is their children’s museum,” said Tracey Mershon, Wonderscope director of communications.
The planned 30,000-square-foot museum will be located in the northwest corner of the shopping center property facing Red Bridge Rd. Wonderscope hopes to start construction in March, Mershon said. Museum officials have said they expect it to draw about 200,000 visitors during its first year of operation.
Nine different interactive exhibits and educational play areas are envisioned for the museum: Creation Station design lab and art studio, Crossroads of Past and Future which will focus on the history and characteristics of the Kansas City area, In the Groove which will feature Kansas City music, Kansas City Café showcasing regional cuisine, Kid City play and activity area for children from infancy to four-years-old, Naturescope outdoor play and exploration area, On the Move to accelerate children’s motor skill development, Water Works play area, and Wonder Climber climbing structure.
Exhibits and play areas will be designed for children and their family members to play and learn together.
Persons may obtain more information about the new museum and donate to the capital campaign online by going to wonderscope.org and clicking on Capital Campaign. Donations also can be mailed to Wonderscope, 5700 King St., Shawnee, KS, 66203.