Children's Museum of Eau Claire
Relocated Museum Makes Space for Creativity & Community in Downtown Eau Claire
Development Completed in 2023
The Children’s Museum of Eau Claire has brought fresh energy and exciting opportunities to the city’s kids, families, and creative community for over 25 years. Recently relocated just a few blocks north of its original home in downtown Eau Claire, their brand-new space builds on the museum’s mission of hands-on learning and imaginative play while creating a welcoming place for families of all backgrounds and abilities. As one of the first purpose-built children’s museums in the region, Eau Claire’s is fast becoming a favorite spot for lifelong learning, connecting generations, and fostering community pride.
The original Children’s Museum of Eau Claire opened back in 2000 and quickly became a favorite for local families. Housed in a repurposed commercial building, it offered hands-on exhibits about science, art, reading, and active play that thousands of kids enjoyed every year. But over time, the space felt too small and outdated for the growing number of visitors.
Seeing a chance to create something bigger and more inclusive, museum leaders teamed up with local donors, businesses, and city partners to dream up a new facility designed specifically with kids in mind. They secured land near Phoenix Park and gathered funding from private donations, grants, and public support. Construction kicked off in 2021, and the new museum opened its doors two years later—feeding fresh, family-friendly energy to Eau Claire’s North Barstow Street District.
• 2019-2021: Planning
• 2021-2022: Design and construction
• 2023: Official opening
Project Cost: $12 million
This includes land acquisition for the new downtown location, design and construction of the new 26,000-square-foot facility, exhibit development and installation, furniture, fixtures, and equipment, site improvements and landscaping, and sustainability features.
The Children’s Museum of Eau Claire was shaped by a clear vision: to create a space that inspires creativity, supports families, and strengthens community through play. Several key goals guided the design and development process:
1. Build a State-of-the-Art Facility for Interactive Learning
The museum would offer modern, custom-built exhibits tailored to different developmental stages and learning styles, with a focus on STEM, the arts, and imaginative exploration.
2. Support Equity & Accessibility for All Families
By removing physical, financial, and social barriers, the new museum would be a welcoming space for all children, regardless of background or ability.
3. Strengthen Downtown’s Role as a Family Destination
Strategically located near parks, trails, and cultural venues, the museum would draw visitors downtown and contribute to a thriving, walkable core.
4. Provide Space for Parenting Support & Early Childhood Resources
Beyond exhibits, the museum would serve as a hub for early childhood education, caregiver resources, and family programming.
5. Create a Sustainable, Community-Driven Asset
The project would be guided by principles of sustainability, local investment, and long-term operational resilience.
Photos by Market & Johnson
Project Features
The rebuild of the Children’s Museum of Eau Claire delivered on its vision with a purposefully designed, multi-level facility that blends education, creativity, and community connection.
Immersive Exhibit Zones
The heart of the museum is its hands-on, themed play zones. From a kid-sized cityscape to a STEM lab and a toddler exploration area, every exhibit is designed to spark curiosity and creativity through movement, collaboration, and experimentation.
Universal Accessibility
The museum goes above and beyond to be accessible for children of all abilities. Every part of the building, from exhibits to signage, is designed with inclusivity in mind, making it a space where everyone feels welcome and supported.
Family Resource Center
More than just a museum, the space also includes a Family Resource Center that offers parenting classes, early literacy programming, and connections to local services. It’s a place where families can find both fun and support.
Outdoor Discovery Space
The outdoor play area is fully enclosed and designed to give kids a safe place to explore nature year-round. With water features, natural materials, and inclusive play structures, it brings the joy of the outdoors into the museum experience.
Community Classrooms & Rental Spaces
Flexible classrooms make it easy to host school field trips, community workshops, and birthday parties. These spaces help the museum serve as a gathering place for learning and celebration.
Downtown Integration
By building the museum right in the heart of downtown Eau Claire and adjacent to a huge parking deck, the project adds to the vibrancy of the area and encourages families to explore nearby parks, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
Affordability & Membership Options
While the museum does charge admission, it remains committed to affordability through reasonably priced tickets, family memberships, and access programs that help ensure cost isn’t a barrier for those who want to visit.
Sustainability & Design
The building features sustainable materials, energy-efficient systems, and artwork inspired by the local landscape. Floor-to-ceiling windows create a bright, inviting space with beautiful views of the riverfront.
Technology Integration
Select exhibits incorporate interactive digital elements that help kids explore STEM concepts and build digital literacy—all in a fun, hands-on way that complements the museum’s focus on play.
Art & Community Installations
Rotating exhibits and art installations reflect the voices and talents of local artists and community members. These features keep the space fresh and create opportunities for ongoing public engagement.
Photos by Market & Johnson
Economic Impact of the Project
The Children’s Museum of Eau Claire’s new facility has contributed to downtown vitality in measurable ways while reinforcing the city’s reputation as a family-friendly and forward-thinking community.
- Draws Over 80,000 Visitors Annually
The new museum has become a regional destination, attracting more than 80,000 visitors each year. Families don’t just come to play either; they also dine, shop, and explore other downtown attractions while they’re here.
- Generated Millions in Capital Investment
Funded through a mix of philanthropy, grants, and local partnerships, the museum’s construction brought in more than $12 million of investment, boosting the local economy and creating jobs along the way.
- Created Ongoing Employment Opportunities
The museum now supports a growing team of staff, including educators and visitor services to operations and administration, providing meaningful local jobs that keep talent in the community.
- Expanded Tourism Appeal
The museum helps position Eau Claire as a family-friendly destination. Many visitors travel from outside the region, and their trips often include hotel stays, meals, and visits to other local attractions.
- Helped Attract & Retain Talent
Amenities like this make Eau Claire more attractive to professionals with young families. It’s one more reason people choose to live and work here, supporting employers across the region.
- Increased Support for Working Families
The museum offers programs and services that help families balance work and care, from drop-in educational play to parenting resources, making it easier for caregivers to access what they need in one place.
- Contributed to Downtown Property Value Growth
As a major new development in the heart of the city, the museum adds energy and foot traffic to the surrounding area, which can help raise property values and encourage additional investment.
- Encouraged Walkability & Downtown Connectivity
Located steps from Phoenix Park and the Pablo Center, the museum strengthens downtown as a walkable, family-friendly destination where people can play, learn, and support local businesses.
- Strengthened Community Identity
As one of the few inclusive, nonprofit, child-focused spaces in the region, the museum reinforces Eau Claire’s reputation as a city that values creativity, learning, and community well-being.
Photos by Market & Johnson
The new Children’s Museum of Eau Claire is a place full of promise and fun. It’s designed with kids, families, and the whole community in mind, creating a welcoming spot where learning happens naturally through play and laughter. The museum adds even more to Eau Claire’s vibrant cultural scene and reminds us why investing in our youngest residents matters for the long run. As families explore the colorful exhibits and open spaces, it’s clear the future is bright… and full of creativity.