The Children’s Museum of Sonoma County Announces it has a permanent home!

 

(Santa Rosa, CA) -- The Children’s Museum of Sonoma County (CMOSC) has taken a giant step closer to opening its doors by officially signing a Letter of Intent on a site located at 1835 West Steele Lane in Santa Rosa. The site is adjacent to the Schulz Museum and Snoopy Ice Arena.

 

The 5400 sq. ft. pre-existing building on the site will be renovated to include a toddler room, creative arts studio, birthday party room, outdoor exhibit areas, and a large indoor space that will showcase permanent and temporary exhibits. 

 

The first time Herb Williams, President of the Board, visited the site he knew it was the perfect spot for the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County.  “I could already envision enthusiastic children playing with and learning from the marvelous exhibits at the children’s museum there.”

 

Collette Michaud, CMOSC’s Chief Executive Officer, is especially excited about the outdoor space where the museum has plans for interactive artworks by local Sonoma County Artists like Ned Kahn, a MacArthur Genius Grant Recipient, gardens, and other areas designed in ways that support multiple interests, skills, and motivations. “We are so pleased to have found a home for the museum that offers both indoor and outdoor spaces to explore the arts and science.”

 

“This announcement symbolizes the beginning of a new and exceptional asset for the community,” said Joe Horak, Site Committee Chair. “We believe the museum will provide a unique experience for children and adults and increase the opportunities for exposure to education and creative arts.”

 

Long term, there's plenty of outdoors space for future expansion of the museum with 4.2 acres and more than 80 parking spaces.

 

The key to finding a home for the children’s museum was Jean Schulz, owner of the property. "The Children's Museum of Sonoma County has been working hard to serve children and their parents in a nurturing and learning environment. It seemed appropriate to offer them this space which has been a warm and welcoming gathering place for over 25 years," said Jean Schulz.

 

AXIA Architects is providing essential planning and conceptual work for the upcoming modifications to the building and outdoor areas. AXIA Principals Peter Witter and Doug Hilberman commented, "We are impressed with the energy, dedication, and fresh thinking of the CMOSC volunteers and board.  Our AXIA team is excited to be a part of this project and believes the existing facilities can be transformed into an engaging dynamic children's museum.  We have a wonderful opportunity to enhance children's learning experience through science, play, hands-on creativity, and activities that ignite their imagination.”

 

The planned opening date for the museum is mid to late 2012.

The Children’s Museum currently operates as a traveling museum.  The Museum participates in over 60 community, school, and private events throughout the year.  More than 6,000 children and their caregivers have visited the “Museum on the Go” since 2005. 

 

The Museum envisions a compassionate and vibrant environment that supports the creative potential of all children and a child's capacity to actively contribute to the long-term health and prosperity of the community.

 

The Mission of the children’s museum is to inspire curiosity, stimulate creativity and imagination in children through the playful exploration of the arts and sciences in interactive and innovative learning environments.

 

You can follow the progress of the children's museum on the website, BLOG, Facebook, or Twitter.

 

To date, the Children’s Museum has 32 Founding Families.  Each family will be permanently recognized in the new home of the children’s museum. 68 out of 100 Founding Family spots are still available for a minimum donation of $1500 each.

 

The Children’s Museum will also start to pre-sell memberships to the museum starting in September as part of its fundraising efforts.

 

Checks to The Children’s Museum of Sonoma County should be mailed to: PO Box 2615, Petaluma, CA, 94953.  Donations can also be made directly online at the Children’s Museum website (www.cmosc.org).

 

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For More Information, please call: Collette Michaud, CEO, Children’s Museum of Sonoma County at 707-287-4809 or email: Collette@cmosc.org.