Children’s Museum of Memphis
2525 Central Avenue
Memphis, TN 38104
Children’s Museum of Memphis’ mission is to create memorable learning experiences through the joy of play in hands-on exhibits and programs. The museum offers interactive and educational exhibits and programs for children and their families. The museum houses over 20 hands-on exhibits. The museum is open seven days a week from 9 am to 5 pm. It is closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
The Children’s Museum of Memphis Founders
Polly Glotzbach
Harriet McFadden
Mars Widdicombe
Harry J. Phillips, Sr.
Thanks to the vision and support of The City of Memphis – Richard C. Hackett, Mayor
Timeline
1985 Children’s Museum Planning Group formed.
1987 The Children’s Museum of Memphis incorporated as a private, nonprofit educational corporation.
1988 The museum signs a lease with the City of Memphis for the National Guard Armory complex.
1990 After raising $3 million for construction, opened to the public on June 16.
1991 Celebrated first birthday in June with an attendance of over 200,000.
1993 Celebrated third birthday with an attendance of over 500,000.
1995 Celebrated fifth birthday with an attendance of over 750,000.
1997 Celebrated seventh birthday with an attendance of over one million.
1999 Began a $6 million capital campaign to expand the museum by 16,000 square feet.
2001 Finished the $6 million capital campaign (raised $7.2 million) to expand the museum. Groundbreaking ceremony and construction began on March 23.
2002 Museum expansion completed and opened on August 3. Celebrated 12th birthday with an attendance of over 1.5 million.
2005 Celebrated 15th birthday with an attendance of over two million.
2008 Celebrated 18th birthday with an attendance of over 2.5 million.
