building curiosity: meeting the challenges of a curious place
DESCRIPTION
The Museum of Natural Curiosity is the newest addition to Thanksgiving Point Institute (TPI). Consisting of diverse venues including a working farm, a natural history museum, and formal estate gardens, TPI is focused on providing opportunities for transformative family learning.TRANSCRIPT
Building CuriosityMeeting the challenges of a curious place
Lorie W Millward, Curator of Curiosity and Inquiry, Thanksgiving Point Institute, Lehi, Utah
A curious placeThe Museum of Natural Curiosity is the newest addition to Thanksgiving Point Institute (TPI). Consisting of diverse venues including a working farm, a natural history museum, and formal estate gardens, TPI is focused on providing opportunities for transformative family learning.
The Museum of Natural Curiosity is a fully interactive space made up of 5 thematic galleries – Rainforest, WaterWorks, Kidopolis, Children’s Discovery Gardens, and Traveling Exhibits. It was designed to meet the needs of families, from babies to grandparents, who want to learn and play together.
That presented some unique design and programming challenges that we addressed in the spirit of play.
Challenge Allow maximum flexibility and reconfiguration of power and plumbing in the galleries.
Challenge Develop facilitation that does not compete with exhibits and experiences in a high-activity, free-choice environment.
Challenge Foster curiosity and play forall ages and provide meaningful cross-generational learning experiences.