Children's museum plans construction bash ahead of renovations


Children's Museum of Atlanta

275 Centennial Olympic Drive

Atlanta, 30313

Phone: 404-659-5437

Website: www.childrensmuseumatlanta.org

Hours

Monday-Friday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturday-Sunday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Imagine a 3,000-square-foot mezzanine with hands-on science exhibits.

Imagine a climb that takes you through the center of the earth.

Later this year, those will be reality.

But first, the Children's Museum of Atlanta (formerly Imagine It) will close Aug. 1 for renovations.

To kick off its face-lift, the museum will hold a "Construction Bash" on July 28-31.

Tuesday-Thursday during the bash, visitors can meet the construction workers, dance around the world and learn about geography during story time.

On July 31, museum visitors can enjoy a science show with Professor Labcoat, games, crafts, a parade and more.

When the museum reopens later this year, young visitors will be able to travel the world via a two-story climbing structure that takes them through a rotating, child-powered globe.

"Gateway to the World," which will be the central exhibit after renovations, also lets visitors explore the layers of the earth.

The mezzanine will house "Step Up to Science," which will focus on science, technology, engineering and math — STEM — education.

Other exhibits will include "Tools for Solutions," which will provide opportunities for building and design, and teach kids what's behind a house's walls; and "Fundamentally Food," in which visitors will learn how food is an integral part of our lives from the farm to the table.

During the renovation, the museum will take more exhibits into the community. To find out where these will be, check the museum's website.

Children's Museum members are probably wondering what their status will be while the museum is closed.

If a membership expires on or after Aug. 31, it will be placed on hold during renovations, and two bonus months will be added to the membership once the museum reopens.

Also, members will receive discounted admission to Atlanta Botanical Garden, Zoo Atlanta, the Georgia Aquarium and other attractions around town. For a complete list of sites and discounts, check the member perks page on the museum's website.

During the first month after the museum reopens, it will be open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. After that, regular weekday hours — 10 a.m. to 4 pm. — will resume.

The museum has included answers to frequently asked questions on its website. Click here if you have more questions.