I.d.e.a. Museum facts for kids
The idea Museum is a super fun place in Mesa, Arizona. It's a museum where you can explore, learn, and create art! It used to be called the Arizona Museum for Youth. The museum changed its name to i.d.e.a. in 2014. This stood for "imagination, design, experience, art." The idea Museum is great for all ages. It has special areas for little kids and exciting activities for everyone. You can find it in downtown Mesa at 150 Pepper Place. The City of Mesa helps run this amazing museum.
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The Museum's Story
The idea Museum wants to spark your imagination. It creates wonderful and fun ways to learn. Art and creativity are at the heart of every adventure here.
The museum started its journey a long time ago. It officially opened in 1980. Back then, it was called the Arizona Museum for Youth. It was the only children's museum in the United States focused on fine art. Jack and John Whiteman, who loved helping the community, had the idea for this museum.
In 1987, the museum became a team effort. The City of Mesa and the Arizona Museum for Youth Friends (now called the idea Museum Foundation) joined forces. This partnership still helps the museum grow and welcome everyone.
The museum changed its name in 2014 to the i.d.e.a. Museum. This new name showed that it was about more than just art. It was about imagination, design, experience, and art. This change meant blending art with hands-on learning. It also included science, technology, engineering, and math (STEAM).
In 2024, the museum got a fresh new look. It simplified its name to the idea Museum, dropping the periods. This new name and look show the museum's promise. It wants to be welcoming to all. It also wants to inspire the next generation of creative thinkers.
What Can You Do at the Museum?
The idea Museum is located in a cool, old grocery store building. It has over 20,000 square feet of space. This space is full of exciting, hands-on exhibits and activities.
Explore the Galleries and Labs
You can find many special areas inside the museum:
- The Whiteman Family Exhibition Gallery
- ArtVille
- The HUB Gallery
- The idea Lab
- The idea Studio
- Classrooms
- The Snackery lounge area
In 2024, the museum finished a big renovation. This included creating the idea Lab. This flexible space is for exploring creativity and technology. It's a place for making art together. The idea Lab has interactive STEAM exhibits. It also offers special programs and upcycle challenges. You can use tools like 3D printers and laser cutters. Microscopes and other hands-on materials are also available. This helps you mix art and science in fun ways.
The Whiteman Family Exhibition Gallery changes its exhibits several times a year. These exhibits feature artworks and interactive displays. They often focus on current topics or themes. The HUB Gallery encourages everyone to get creative. You can build with recycled materials. You can also draw on a giant dry erase wall. Or, you can invent things with large building sets like the Rigamajig.
ArtVille is a special area just for kids ages 0 to 4. It's like an imaginary town. Young visitors can explore, play, and create. All activities are perfect for their age.
Relax and Recharge
The Snackery is a comfy place to take a break. It has seating and vending machines. You can also find quiet activities there. Visitors are welcome to bring their own food. It's a great spot to relax during your visit.
The idea Museum has become very popular. Because of this, it is planning more renovations. These changes will make the spaces even better. Mesa voters approved funding for these improvements in 2024. This will help the museum serve more children and families.
