Making the museum accessible for our entire community is important. As such, the i.d.e.a. Museum has proudly supported Museums for All since 2017.

Museums for All – a signature access program of the Association of Children’s Museums (ACM) and the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).- aims to encourage families of all backgrounds to visit museums regularly and build lifelong museum habits.

Discounted family fun

This access program enables families with an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card to visit the i.d.e.a. Museum for $2 per person – up to 6 family members – by showing the card.

“For many years the i.d.e.a. Museum has been committed to removing barriers to enjoying the museum,” said i.d.e.a. Museum Executive Director Sunnee O’Rork. “Being part of the national Museums for All program is a natural next step allowing us to open our doors much wider to the community at any time or day of the week they wish to visit.”

Activities supporting learning, creativity

The i.d.e.a. Museum features exhibitions aimed at supporting early learning, nurturing creative thinking and engaging families in fun, quality time through art and hands-on science, technology, engineering and math activities.

ArtVille – a socks-only space aimed at children ages 0-4 – features soft blocks, light pixels, gears and spaces for imaginative play.

The HUB Gallery offers activities that encourage creative thinking and promote design principles. Plus, don’t miss the jungle-themed black light room, which is great for imaginary play.

Rotating art exhibitions

The Whiteman Family Exhibition Gallery rotates three art-based exhibitions annually. Currently, it features Roadside USA, which takes guests on a virtual road trip to learn about people and places across the U.S. Learn more..

Coming soon is Weather or Not: Art with Atmosphere (Sept. 27, 2019 – Jan. 19, 2020). During this exhibition, curious kids of all ages will embark on a fun, scientific adventure featuring art and hands-on activities. They will learn about the water cycle, the difference between climate and weather, rainbows, types of weather, and more!

Reaching families in our community

The Museums for All initiative represents a long stride toward the goal of reaching more children and parents, especially those living in poverty, with the valuable learning resources of museums.

Children’s museums – with their unique focus on bringing children, families, and communities together – each year host more than 31 million visitors. The Museums for All initiative will allow children’s museums to further expand their reach and impact.

Learn about upcoming i.d.e.a. Museum activities: ideaMuseum.org.

More about the organizations

The i.d.e.a. Museum is a part of the City of Mesa and is supported by the i.d.e.a. Museum Foundation. The foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization with a mission to provide sustainable resources to fulfill the i.d.e.a. Museum’s mission through fundraising, advocacy, and partnerships. Its vision is to create infinite possibilities for  the i.d.e.a. Museum. 

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. Our mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. Our grant making, policy development, and research help libraries and museums deliver valuable services that make it possible for communities and individuals to thrive. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

The Association of Children’s Museums (ACM) provides leadership, professional development, advocacy and resources for its member organizations and individuals. In an increasingly complex world, children’s museums provide a place where all kids can learn through play and exploration with the caring adults in their lives. There are approximately 400 children’s museums around the world, which annually reach more than thirty-one million visitors. To learn more and to find an ACM-member children’s museum near you, visit www.ChildrensMuseums.org.

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