The Children’s Museum of Richmond officially reopened a collection of newly renovated exhibits at its Downtown location (2626 W. Broad St.) earlier today, marking the completion of the first phase of Dream Big, a historic $10 million capital campaign and the museum’s first major exhibit transformation in more than 25 years.
Developed in partnership with exhibit design firm Roto, architecture firm Quinn Evans and RMT Construction, the reimagined exhibits reflect years of planning, community input and research into best practices in childhood development. Each space was designed using Universal Design for Learning principles, ensuring children of varying ages, abilities, backgrounds and learning styles are inspired to explore, create and learn through play.
“From the beginning, we knew this transformation needed to be shaped by the families we serve,” said Danielle Ripperton, executive director of CMoR. “Every space was intentionally designed so that children and their caregivers can see themselves, their experiences, their potential and their community reflected in the museum.”
While some exhibits were temporarily closed throughout the renovation process, others —including the Apple Tree, Draw Alive, Everbrite Wall, Sun Tubes and select Little Farm components — were relocated to other areas of the museum.
New, state-of-the-art opportunities for hands-on learning, creativity and exploration, include:
RVA Waterway
Children can experiment with dams, water jets, fountains, rapids and water flow while exploring Richmond’s connection to the James River. Hands-on water play encourages problem-solving, collaboration and early STEM learning through cause-and-effect exploration.
Magic Meadow
Inspired by the beauty and biodiversity of Virginia’s natural landscapes, this immersive environment features musical elements, a smell scavenger hunt, tunnels and scarf-launching air tubes that encourage movement, sensory exploration, creativity and imaginative play.
Seymour Studio
A reimagined art experience where children and caregivers can create side-by-side using collaborative art stations, large-scale painting opportunities and open-ended materials that foster self-expression, creativity and confidence.
Grand Cavern
This expanded cave experience invites children to discover embedded fossils, experiment with sound and uncover surprising visual effects, including an infinity mirror illusion. The exhibit promotes curiosity, observation and scientific exploration through hands-on discovery.
Nature Lab
Young explorers can investigate the plants, animals and ecosystems that make Virginia unique through interactive experiences designed to build observation skills, environmental awareness and a connection to the natural world.
Additional exhibit experiences will continue to open throughout the summer, including the Skybox Climber, a multi-level climbing adventure featuring bridges, staircases, hammocks and a rooftop periscope.
While the reopening marks a major milestone, it is only the beginning of a larger vision for the museum. Dream Big will continue through additional phases of construction and exhibit development, culminating in a fully transformed Downtown Museum experience designed to serve generations of Richmond families.
“Play is one of the most powerful tools children have for learning, building confidence and making sense of the world around them,” said Ripperton. “Dream Big is about creating spaces that inspire curiosity, spark imagination and support meaningful connections for every child who walks through our doors. These renovations ensure the museum will continue to be a vibrant, welcoming resource for families throughout our region for decades to come.”
To minimize disruption for members and day visitors, CMoR is implementing renovations in phases, allowing the museum to remain open and active throughout construction.
Phase Two renovations are expected to begin in winter 2027 and continue through the first half of the year. While select exhibit areas will temporarily close during construction, families can continue to enjoy a wide variety of play experiences throughout the museum. Future phases will introduce additional exhibit enhancements and immersive environments that further expand opportunities for learning through play.
To learn more about the Dream Big Capital Campaign, please visit https://www.childrensmuseumofrichmond.org/dream-big-capital-campaign.
About the Children’s Museum of Richmond
The Children’s Museum of Richmond is a nonprofit organization established in 1981, dedicated to inspiring growth in all children by engaging families in learning through play. With locations in Chesterfield and Downtown Richmond, CMoR offers a variety of exhibits and programs designed to promote the educational and developmental needs of all children.
