About Us

OUR MISSION

The Children's Museum of Wilmington stimulates children's imagination, curiosity and love of learning.

The Children's Museum of Wilmington celebrates the joys of childhood by providing magical and playful experiences for children of all ages. The Museum serves children ages 0-10 and their adult company. Our goal is for all our visitors to learn amazing things about themselves and the world where we live, through informal, playful hands-on and child-directed experiences. In our warm and inviting environment, children and the adults who bring them find ample opportunities to explore and better understand the arts, sciences, culture and more, through engaging exhibits and programs.

OUR HISTORY

The Children's Museum of Wilmington began in 1991 when a task force of local parents started pursuing the idea of a "hands on" learning through play center. The Junior League of Wilmington, NC, Inc. assisted in the further development of the idea. After several years of research and study by parents, community leaders and educators, the Wilmington Children's Museum opened its doors on October 10, 1997 on Market Street.

Over the years, through tireless community and member support, the Museum has earned a full-time staff to accommodate its growing number of visitors. In 2003, the Museum welcomed its 100,000th visitor. What a great accomplishment for a 3,000 square foot facility! To meet the steadily growing number of visitors, in 2004 the Museum kicked off a capital campaign and purchased a new site for the Wilmington Children's Museum, at the corner of 2nd and Orange Streets in downtown Wilmington, the former St. John's Museum of Art facility. In February 2005, a groundbreaking ceremony marked the beginning of construction on an atrium to join three existing structures.

The new Children's Museum of Wilmington opened its doors to the public on April 23, 2006. With twelve dynamic exhibits, an outdoor courtyard, a secret garden and a gift store, the museum now spans over 17,000 square feet.

The Children's Museum of Wilmington now sees over 51,000 visitors a year. We will flourish with the continued support of members of the community and new visitors. Come visit one of the best children's museums in the country.