News Summary
The Lexington Children’s Museum is exploring options for a new location to accommodate its growing visitor base, which has surged to 48,000 attendees in the last year, the highest in over a decade. Executive Director Colby Ernest reports a need for space as attendance rises over 25% annually. With new funding from the city and a commitment to accessibility through partnerships, the museum aims to enhance its educational offerings and community engagement while working towards relocation.
Lexington – The Lexington Children’s Museum is currently seeking a new location to accommodate its expanding visitor base, which has surged in recent years. The museum, founded in 1990 and located on Short Street, has seen a significant increase in attendance, drawing 48,000 visitors in the last fiscal year alone—the highest number in over a decade. This growing patronage has highlighted the need for a larger facility.
According to Executive Director Colby Ernest, while there are no definitive plans for relocation at this moment, the museum is actively exploring its options. The need for a new space has become increasingly apparent as the museum has reported a more than 25% rise in yearly visitors over the last five years.
The museum, formerly known as the Explorium of Lexington, has long been a fixture in the community, offering immersive learning programs that foster creativity and a love for lifelong learning. Under its current leadership since October 2021, the museum has worked diligently to enhance its programming and improve its reputation among patrons, ultimately securing renewed city support after funding was suspended in 2019 due to concerns over visitor experiences.
In a bid to support the museum’s growth and expansion, Mayor Linda Gorton recently announced a funding allocation of $2 million over the next four years, with the first installment of $400,000 available this year. This financial backing, disclosed during Gorton’s budget address in April, reflects the city’s commitment to the museum and its educational mission.
The museum has made strides in accessibility and community engagement, partnering with Museums for All in 2024, which allows families receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits to gain free or reduced admission. This initiative has significantly increased access, raising over $35,000 to assist more than 5,000 patrons in attending the museum.
The Lexington Children’s Museum aims to provide a world-class experience that represents the richness and diversity of the community. Ernest highlighted the institution’s legacy of promoting creativity and discovery over its 35-year history. The museum’s efforts toward growth are intended to create a more welcoming environment for all families, ensuring that everyone can benefit from the learning opportunities it offers.
As discussions of relocation continue, the Lexington Children’s Museum remains hopeful about its potential future, aiming to expand not just in physical size, but also in the range of programs and services it provides. With renewed community support and a strong mission to foster a love of learning, the museum is poised to further enhance its contributions to families across the region.
In summary, the Lexington Children’s Museum is at a pivotal moment in its journey, facing the challenge of finding a new home to meet the increasing demand from the community while also continuing to strive for accessibility and educational excellence.
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Additional Resources
- Kentucky.com: Lexington Children’s Museum Expansion
- Wikipedia: Children’s Museum
- Milford Daily News: Children’s Museum Opening
- Google Search: Children’s Museum expansion
- WTVQ: Budget Proposal Lexingon
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- Fox 56 News: Kentucky Foster Children Report
- Google News: Kentucky foster care
