From Blueprint to Wonder: Designing a Museum for All Children

Designing a children’s museum is an intentional, multi‑phase process. Each stage serves a distinct purpose, building toward a final environment that is imaginative, functional, and supportive of every child who walks through the doors. Early architectural renderings are the first step in that journey. Their role is to establish structure, layout, and flow, how the building works, how people move through it, and how the spaces relate to one another. At this stage, the focus is on form, not yet on the full creative expression that will define the museum’s personality.

The heart of the Grand Forks Children’s Museum will be its exhibits, and these come later in the design sequence. Exhibit development is where color, texture, and playfulness take center stage. These spaces are intentionally crafted to be visually stimulating, hands‑on, and bold, creating places where imagination leads the way. Exhibit design follows the architectural phase, and our early renderings do not yet reflect the vibrancy that will ultimately fill the museum.

A well‑designed children’s museum also balances stimulation with restoration. While exhibit zones will be bright and energetic, transition areas are intentionally more neutral. Research in early childhood development shows that young learners benefit from moments of calm, especially between high‑energy experiences. For this reason, the museum will include quiet zones for sensory breaks, neutral‑toned hallways and seating areas, and spaces where families can pause, rest, or decompress. These choices support a wide range of needs, including those of children with sensory sensitivities.

The lobby and gathering spaces introduce the museum’s thematic identity. The “Land and Sky” palette with prairie tones, sky blues, and warm earth hues, helps creates a welcoming, nature‑inspired entry point that gently guides visitors toward the more vibrant exhibits. This approach provides both orientation and emotional grounding as guests begin their museum experience.

Exterior design follows a similar progression. Initial renderings focus on basic form and structure, while later phases introduce the expressive elements that signal creativity and play. Planned additions to the exterior design include colorful banners, exterior art and an outdoor programming and art area. These components will bring energy and identity to the building, making it instantly recognizable as a place designed for children.

Every design choice is purposeful:

• Colorful exhibits ignite imagination and joy.

• Neutral transition spaces support regulation and calming.

• Nature‑inspired lobby colors create warmth and welcome.

• Exterior art expresses creativity before visitors even step inside.

This process‑driven approach ensures the final museum is not only visually compelling, but also functional, inclusive, and developmentally informed. As the design progresses, each phase adds another layer of color, creativity, and intention, ultimately shaping a museum that is vibrant, and welcoming.

This project is guided by an all‑volunteer board whose collective expertise strengthens every phase of development. The board brings deep experience in construction, architecture, legal strategy, finance, design, and fundraising, along with visionaries who understand how to create spaces that inspire and endure. In addition to their own expertise, the board has engaged leading design minds for both the museum building and the exhibits. These professionals reflect national best practices in creativity, accessibility, and child‑centered design. Together, this combined leadership ensures that decisions are thoughtful, informed, and aligned with long‑term organizational stewardship. This multidisciplinary foundation is shaping a project that is creative, responsible, and designed to spark wonder for generations.

By Katie Mayer, Executive Director Grand Forks Children's Museum