An authentic 1840s log cabin was reassembled outside Madison Children's Museum to be used as a hands-on exhibit. Kids can learn how other kids lived back then, including their responsibilities and what they did for fun. (Photo: Jackie Johnson)
The Museum‘s new location on the Capitol Square is bigger and better than the old facility. “Many people remember fondly our old museum on State Street which was only 8,000 square feet. And we could only accommodate children up to age eight. Our new building is opening with over 26,000 square feet of public space — more than three times the size. And some of the real differences you’ll notice is that we are attracting kids up to age 12.”
The museum’s executive director Ruth Shelly says the larger building will allow more school kids to hang out after touring the state capitol. “We’ll be able to accommodate school groups from all over the state who can come and visit us because we have class rooms and orientation centers that are large enough for them.”
About 45,000 students from around Wisconsin visit the capitol every spring. Shelly hopes those school groups consider making a stop at the award-winning museum, which offers both creative and physical activities for the children — and it’s just a hop, skip and a jump away from the capitol building. As for the adults, Shelly touts the parking availability and their first floor cafe among the many amenities at the revamped Montgomery Wards building.
NOTE: The grand opening is set for Saturday, with a little parade at 9:00 am, ribbon cutting at around 9:20 and the doors open at 9:30 am. The new location at 100 N. Hamilton St. is just a couple blocks away from the old location.
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