To ignite the boundless imagination of children by curating wonderous and joyful interactive learning experiences where art and creativity are at the heart of every adventure.
A vibrant community where children thrive through creativity, curiosity and connection.
idea Museum is guided by the following core principles:
COMMUNITY
We seek to inspire a kind, supportive, collaborative and creative environment within our community.
CHILD-CENTRIC
We prioritize creating joyful and memorable learning experiences for children while engaging all generation that support them.
CREATIVITY
We value creativity and artistic expression while acknowledging their integral role across all other learning disciplines, such as Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.
INCLUSIVITY
We foster belonging, increase accessibility and representation, and embrace diverse perspectives to ensure an inclusive and engaging experience for all.
These values supplement the City of Mesa and Mesa Arts and Culture department values, which also guide our work.
The museum was founded in 1978 by John Whiteman, inspired by his father Jack Whiteman and supported by community leaders dedicated to arts, culture and families. Originally called The Center for Fine Arts and later the Arizona Museum for Youth, it was the nation's only children's museum focused on fine art. Showcasing work by local, national and international artists, it became a cultural destination for families and schools across the Valley. In 1987, the museum partnered with the City of Mesa to ensure long-term stability, with the City managing operations and the Friends group (now the idea Museum Foundation) leading fundraising. In 2004, the opening of ArtVille marked a significant milestone, expanding the museum's impact with a nationally recognized early learning environment. A decade later in 2014, the museum was renamed idea Museum to reflect its broadened mission of inspiring creativity. Most recently in 2025, the museum completed the first phase of renovation, with a larger transformation underway and slated for completion around the 50th anniversary - made possible through the generosity and vision of the community.
John Whiteman, founder of the idea Museum, was a visionary leader whose passion for the arts and commitment to youth development shaped the museum’s identity from the very beginning. As President and CEO of Empire Cat, he carried forward his family’s legacy of business leadership while dedicating himself to community service across the Valley. Believing that art is a powerful tool for learning and self-discovery, he helped create a space where children and families could connect with world-class art in meaningful, accessible ways. His impact extended beyond the museum through his broad community work, where he championed education, youth development and cultural engagement. His legacy continues to guide the museum’s mission, ensuring generations of children have opportunities to explore, imagine and thrive through the arts.
