“The mission of Tulsa Children’s Museum is to inspire children, connect families, and build community through exploration, exhibits, programming, and PLAY.”
• Founded 2007
• Opened Discovery Lab in Owen Park in 2013
• In just two years: over 270,000 children and families impacted through exhibits
and unique hands-on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math)
and health and wellness programming; and delivered 1,800 sessions of outreach
programming in area schools and libraries
PLAYBEGINS
• Experiential, open-ended learning opportunities through
“meaningful” play provides cognitive, emotional, social, and physical benefits
• Research ties this type of play to reading readiness and school success
• Informal learning complements and supplements school curricula blending the arts
with science and math for a cohesive experience
PLAYMATTERS
• 25% of field trips and 40% of outreach programming delivered
free or at a reduced rate for at-risk and underserved children and
families of Title I schools
• Children of all ages, abilities, and economics are engaged and intrigued by
the hands-on experiences
• Serves as a unique community hub, enhancing the quality of life for its clients
while making a direct economic impact in Tulsa
PLAYBUILDS
• Earns around 50% of operating revenue through earned income
lessening the reliance on contributing resources
• More than 350 discovery centers and children’s museums operate worldwide,
and see 30 million with an economic impact of more than $448 million annually
(Association of Children’s Museums)
• Trips for cultural tourism account for 23% of domestic trips. These visitors
stay 53% longer in a destination and spend roughly 36% more money than
other tourists (American Alliance of Museums)
• TCM will enhance the quality of life of Tulsa area families and provide a regional
and national draw to the area for tourists and businesses alike
PLAYSUSTAINS
• Growth is methodic, reflective, and responsive to ensure sustainability,
community input, and positive impact
• The current phase—Discovery Lab at Owen Park—
• Builds trust, awareness, and participation
• Develops community connections and partnerships
• Creates meaningful and relevant educational exhibits and programs
• Feasibility studies and current Discovery Lab performance indicate that Tulsa
can accommodate a 40,000 square foot children’s museum / science center
• 210,000 visitors a year
• Cost $30 million
PLAYGROWS
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