Kidscommons...Columbus' (IN) Community Children's Museum

Purpose: Sustaining Cultural Heritage Kidscommons-the Columbus, Indiana, Community children's Museum-opened its doors in 1998, serving children and adults of Columbus and the surrounding area. The success of the pilot program has led to a permanent location in 12,500 square feet, with greatly expanded exhibit and program offerings. Kidscommons will relocate to a historic building in the center of downtown. The new museum will capitalize on the community's now world-famous "built" environment in "Building Buildings," a combined exhibition and program that weaves exhibits and activities into the overall concept of building community. This project will focus on the final development, design, fabrication, and installation of a 1,250-square-foot exhibit and on the development of accompanying programs. The exhibit will be a large-scale, framed-out structure of a house that will allow visitors to see how buildings come together. It will demonstrate hidden systems such as water, electricity, insulation, and structural supports. Interactives will challenge visitors to experiment with materials and shapes and to design interior spaces. The exhibit will include a variety of hands-on experiences pertaining to the building industry and a cased display of historical and contemporary tools.