As the move to its new bigger, accessible location inches closer, London's Children's Museum has been given a multi-million dollar boost from the federal government.
London North Centre Liberal MP Peter Fragiskatos announced Thursday $2 million in federal funding will go toward the Museum's future home at 100 Kellogg Lane.
"The right to learn belongs to everyone, especially children," said Fragiskatos. "The museum has made the decision to relocate to a larger space and it makes sense. As our city gets bigger there are more kids, and their parents of course, interested in learning opportunities and the museum provides exactly that."
The cash from the feds puts the museum just $5 million shy of its $23 million funding goal. The city kicked in $2 million toward the move in 2019. The rest of the money has come from private donors.
"When we learned we were getting the funds from the federal government we were absolutely thrilled, jumping up and down," said Kate Ledgley, the museum's executive director. "It's exciting not only for arts and culture in our region, but for children and families."
It was announced in May 2018 that the museum had outgrown its current location at 21 Wharncliffe Road - a space it has occupied for 41 years - and would be moving to the fourth floor of Kellogg Lane. The new space offers a 36,000 square feet open-floor plan, 21-foot ceilings and ample parking. Eight immersive and interactive exhibits are being designed for the new museum and include a treehouse village, a dinosaur dig pit, and a digital planetarium.
The opening of the new location is still over a year away, Ledgley noted.
"Construction is underway on the base build, then we have exhibit fabrication and installation, so we are looking toward fall 2024," said Ledgley. "We will keep the community updated on our future grand opening."
Currently, the museum sees around 95,000 visitors each year. That number is expected to soar to 145,000 annually once the move is complete.
