Boston Children's Museum

Boston Children's Museum will redesign and build a new PlaySpace that draws on evidence-based science and the current knowledge of early childhood development, particularly infants' and toddlers' surprisingly sophisticated understanding of the world around them. The new PlaySpace will offer visitors creative, flexible environments that address a child's developmental needs coupled with numerous observation points for parents to learn about their child's interests and the importance of their attention to their child's learning experience. The museum's resident research scientists will gain a productive space for conducting new research and the opportunity to share their findings with parents. The children's museum field will gain a new model of early learning exhibitions based on the latest research. Originally opened in 1978, PlaySpace provides a prime setting for converting theoretical research into developmentally appropriate activities and positive parenting practices. Components of the project will be disseminated and packaged as exhibition kits for use by other museums.