Governor Kathy Hochul on Wednesday announced the completion of construction and dedication of the new $8 million Utica Children’s Museum, which is part of an overall $14 million ICAN Family Resource Center project. The 14,000 square foot museum features exhibits designed as exciting play-based experiences with many benefits to children — from school readiness and career exposure to increased socialization and quality time with family and friends.
“The Utica Children’s Museum is a place where families can gather and watch their children thrive, and I am proud to celebrate this wonderful space for the Mohawk Valley,” Governor Hochul said. “These exciting exhibits and additions to the project will become an important extension of the community — families and children from across the region will experience the new museum together and create a welcoming environment for many years ahead.”
Utica Children’s Museum Executive Director Meghan Fraser McGrogan said, “Today marks an incredible milestone not just for the Utica Children’s Museum, but for our entire community. We are so excited to celebrate the hard work of our team and all of our partners who made this project possible. We have thoughtfully designed this museum to be an inclusive, welcoming and inspiring environment for children to learn and grow. Our new museum is truly a place where families can come together to play, learn and create lasting memories. Thank you Governor Kathy Hochul and Commissioner Hope Knight for your unwavering support and investment in our vision.”
The exhibits in the Utica Children’s Museum reflect the community and showcase its diversity, industries, and many other features that are a source of pride for Mohawk Valley residents. While exhibit testing is currently being completed, the museum will officially open its doors to the public on May 1. The museum has embraced Universal Design principles from conception through completion to ensure that all visitors, regardless of ability, will have a comfortable and enriching experience. Every exhibit within the museum has been thoughtfully designed to serve a specific purpose, with attention to eliminating barriers that are often overlooked in traditional museum layouts.
Located within the Integrated Community Alternatives Network (ICAN) Family Resource Center at 106 Memorial Parkway, the completely reimagined museum features a 4,000 square-foot Rotunda and a renovated 10,000 square-foot second floor, showcasing six galleries and 60 custom-fabricated exhibits. These new spaces have been designed with the community in mind, inviting visitors to “Love Where You Live!” and explore what makes the region unique-its rich cultures, four seasons, STEAM industry, food, music and more.
The new museum is part of a larger project of ICAN — the development of a first-of-its-kind Family Resource Center that houses ICAN family-based programs, a community room available for other organizations, and the museum.
With over 60 years of history, the Utica Children’s Museum is one of the oldest children’s museums in the country. The year-round destination creates an entirely new experience for visitors and families in the Mohawk Valley. It features multiple play zones, including:
- The Climber: Two stories of physical challenges and safe risk taking to build confidence.
- The Meeting Place: Flexible common space to orient groups, hold programs, and enjoy the Climber.
- World Market: Experience culture, languages, art, games and more in this global gallery.
- Build It Up: A destination for the hands-on maker and builder in every child.
- Let’s Experiment: STEAM-based challenges that focus on creativity and problem-solving skills.
- Seasons: Celebrate the weather changes we experience throughout the year.
- The Cove: An oasis of calm to wind down and promote the importance of pausing.
- Multi-Purpose Rooms: Versatile space with overhead doors that can be used in full or divided into two rooms.
