Kellogg’s building at 100 Kellogg Lane (London Children’s Museum)
After nearly 40 years, the London Children’s Museum is moving from its long-Tim location at 21 Wharncliffe Road South to join the long list of facilities coming to 100 Kellogg Lane.
“Back in 2014, we embarked on a feedback journey with some of our visitors to see what they needed from the London Children’s Museum,” says marketing and sales manager Mira Noordermeer. “A lot of the things we heard we needed more space, more parking, more accessibility. Our current building is very old, it’s beautiful, but it is very old.”
The museum was founded in 1977 by Carol Johnson. A visit to the Boston Children’s Museum in the United States back in 1973 convinced Johnson to establish a children’s museum in London. In 1975, the London Children’s Museum became Canada’s first children’s museum through the hard work of Johnson and a large group of volunteers. Moving to their current location on Wharncliffe Road in 1981.
Now, the museum welcomes 88,000 visitors a year, operating on a budget of approximately $1.2-million. Running from three floors consisting of interactive exhibits, educational programs, and what Noordermeer adds “pure fun.”
But the new London Children’s Museum is moving from multiple floors to a 35,000 square foot, open concept room that will accommodate the accessibility and parking needs requested in their feedback. The soon-to-be location at 100 Kellogg Lane will also allow for an easier transportation route.
“We did want it to be centrally located located on public transit routes,” says Noordermeer. “ I think that location in particular is a great revitalization opportunity for the city that we’re really thrilled to be a part of and there’s going to be lots of things for families to do there.”
9-year-old, Brooklyn Norman says that she’s never gone to the London Children’s Museum before, but after hearing what’s to come, she can’t wait to visit the one coming to 100 Kellogg’s Lane.
”After just looking at the pictures, I want to go right now!”
The new Children’s Museum will feature 8 new interactive zones including:
Design for new London Children’s Museum ‘Branching Out’ exhibit (London Children’s Museum)
Branching Out – A network of trees and tree houses offering a full body exploration of a more literal “Forest City.”This space inspires wonder and serves as a portal to adventures waiting deeper within the new Children’s Museum.
Design for new London Children’s Museum ‘Discovery Lab’ exhibit (London Children’s Museum)
Discovery Lab – This space is equipped for all types of creativity and promotes innovation and collaboration at multiple levels. Visitors engage in project and problem-based learning through tinkering, making, crafting, designing, experimenting, and hacking.
Design for new London Children’s Museum ‘Unearthed Above & Below’ exhibit (London Children’s Museum)
Unearthed and Above & Beyond – A light in the dark invites us to discover the wonders just beyond our day-to-day experience through twinkling stars, glittering gems, and sparks of inspiration. Visitors can dig up creatures from the distant past or bring to life entirely new ones.
Design for new London Children’s Museum ‘Farm Works’ exhibit (London Children’s Museum)
Farm Works – Discover how Londoners connect with local agriculture and industry, as well as how agriculture and industry connect Londoners to the region and the rest of the world. Plant, dig, harvest and bring your crop to the factory or market.
Community Roots – A mini main street sets the stage for imaginative play immersed in local architecture and culture. Visitors act out roles and scenes in familiar community spaces. A town circle becomes a hub for communal gathering and storytelling.
STREAM – Every river tells a story, and this one sweeps us along on a journey from the forests to the cities. Visitors pump, channel, splash and squirt, and dive headfirst into an exploration of water in its many forms.
Rooftop Garden – A garden patio up on the roof is the interface between the built environment and the natural. Visitors befriend the elements and engage in experiences that span the seasons.
The Grove – As a flexible space, The Grove adapts to fit a variety of needs. It will house temporary exhibits, pop-up programs, cultural performances, and special events.
*Information provided by the London Children’s Museum*
“I am the most excited for Unearthed Above & Beyond,” says Norman. “I’ve just always wanted to look at dinosaur bones and I’ve always wanted to learn about the stars.”
While Norman has never been to the Children’s Museum before, her older sister, 15-year-old, Kenzie Corey has. After seeing what’s in store for the new location, she’s happy that her sister will get to experience similar interactive opportunities as she did, and explains what she is excited for her younger sister to see.
“Definitely the space centre. It was really cool when I was little seeing all of the different starts in the dome,” says Corey.
“I’m just excited for her to be able to learn things while being adventurous, like a kid should be.”
Architectural planning is currently underway as the Reimagined Children’s Museum is expected to be completed by late 2022. Until then, the Children’s Museum will remain open for play at 21 Wharncliffe Road South.
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