Jobs Bill signed by the Governor in 2014 included $14 million to grow exhibits and encourage playful learning

ST. PAUL, MN - Governor Mark Dayton and Lt. Governor Tina Smith were joined by state and local officials in breaking ground on a $30 million expansion of the Minnesota Children's Museum today. For more than 30 years, the Minnesota Children's Museum has been dedicated to providing children with a fun, hands-on and stimulating environment to learn and discover.

 

"I was honored to serve in the group that founded the Children's Museum. I am delighted to join the museum today, as it launches its exciting new chapter," said Governor Mark Dayton. "The Children's Museum understands the great benefits to kids of early, hands-on learning experiences, and to families of sharing quality time together. This expansion will enable the Museum to help children and parents learn together for many years to come."

 

Thanks to the $14 million included for the expansion in the 2014 Jobs Bill signed by Governor Dayton, the Children's Museum will be re-inventing its galleries, creating new exhibits, and adding new visitor amenities to its downtown Saint Paul location. The museum will remain open during most of the expansion period, with the project set for completion in early 2017.

 

"The expansion of the Children's Museum means this great institution will be an even greater resource for Minnesota children and their families, said Lt. Governor Tina Smith. Archie and I loved to bring our sons to the Children's Museum when they were little. This expansion creates the opportunity for more Minnesota children to play, explore, learn, and expand their understanding of their world.

 

Governor Dayton also declared today "Minnesota's Day of Play" to help the museum launch #PlayMoreMN, a movement to raise awareness about the importance of play in making communities happier, healthier and more innovative.

 

"The State of Minnesota is making a major investment in the power of play," said Dianne Krizan, President of Minnesota Children's Museum "With the state's support and the help of other generous donors and supporters, we are providing more room to play and learn for Minnesota families."

 

About #PlayMoreMN and Minnesota's Day of Play

#PlayMoreMN is an effort by the Minnesota Children's Museum to raise awareness about the importance of play in making communities happier, healthier and more innovative.

 

Kids today don't play as much as they used to - an average of 8 hours less per week than in the 1980s. But play is more than just fun - it's how children learn lifelong skills like critical thinking, communication, coordination, collaboration and more.

 

Anyone can take part in Minnesota's Day of Play on October 7 by doing a playful activity and sharing a photo or video on social media with the hash tag #PlayMoreMN. More information is available at PlayMoreMN.org.

 

About Minnesota Children's Museum

Minnesota Children's Museum is dedicated to sparking children's learning through play. The Museum's vision: "Kids play more. Adults do, too. We thrive as a happier, healthier and more innovative community through the radiant power of play." The Museum, which first opened in 1981 and moved to downtown St. Paul in 1995, serves more than 460,000 visitors each year at its locations St. Paul, Rochester and Mall of America, and reaches thousands more across the state through Smart Play Spots, Storyland exhibits and other programs. The museum operates a satellite museum in Rochester and a "pop-up" museum at the Mall of America.