Sometimes when you think of museums, a stuffy, boring place where you have to stay quiet comes to mind. At the Buell Children’s Museum, you will find quite a different experience. Two levels of fun, adventure, and knowledge await. Children and parents alike are encouraged to touch exhibits, talk about what they are learning and have fun exploring all that they have to offer. These visits should help spark creativity and encourage discovery. They change out the theme regularly so whether you’re a first-time visitor or a yearly member there’s always something new to discover.
About the Buell Children’s Museum
The Sangre de Cristo Arts and Conference Center opened its doors in 1972, but the Buell Children’s Museum was not a part of the original building. An expansion in 1982 added a small, interactive play area designed for children. It was not until 2000 that another larger addition occurred and the Buell Children’s Museum was born. It has won several awards and was recognized by Child Magazine as the number two children’s art and culture museum in the country. With 7,500 square feet of interactive gallery space, a theater, a cafe, and a gift shop there is a lot to explore.
Throughout the Buell Children’s Museum, you’ll find interactive exhibits created to educate children and adults on art, history, and science. Innovative designs, hands-on exhibits, and lots of open space create a welcoming environment for kids and kids-at-heart to seek out adventure and make discoveries. The museum is broken up into different sections and each offers something different.
Reilly Family Gallery
Here is where you’ll find the museum’s themed exhibit. This innovative, interactive exhibit changes throughout the year. They’ve had a dance theme with how different cultures explore dance and even a space theme with exhibits showing what we know about space. There’s always something new to see at the museum.
Sensations
This part of the museum is pretty cool. It’s a multi-sensory exhibit using technology to create an exciting experience filled with lights, sounds, and videos. A truly unique experience.
El Pomar Magic Carpet Theater
Do your children like to play pretend? In the museum’s theater, children are encouraged to create and star in their own theatrical production. There are various props and dress-up clothes to help fulfill their creative vision. They also have the option to sit back, relax, and watch a cutting-edge projection.
Artrageous Studio
Who doesn’t love to create something unique and one-of-a-kind? To explore their artistic side? If you and your children do then step into this arts and crafts studio, and create your own craft to take home. Parents and guardians are welcome and encouraged to participate.
Buell Baby Barn
The Buell Children’s Museum hasn’t forgotten about its smallest patrons. The Buell Baby Barn is designed for children 4 and under. The barnyard comes alive in this fun, interactive exhibit. With different barn animals and toys, you can engage all your little one’s senses as you explore this little indoor farm.
Special Events
The Buell Children’s Museum can be more than just a great way to spend a day – it’s also a wonderful place to throw a birthday party! Your birthday kid will feel so special being the star for the day at the museum. You could choose a package that just includes exploring the museum or go bigger with one that includes a private art activity for all your guests. There’s even an option to be able to use the Magic Carpet Theater Space for a private movie screening. They even provide popcorn.
Bring in your own food, cake, drinks – whatever you need to make it a party! After all the partygoers have had cake and celebrated, you can hit the museum for unlimited playtime until the museum closes. Run around and use all that sugar to get some active learning in.
Buell Children’s Museum
The Buell Children’s Museum is a one-of-a-kind in the area and a great asset to the community. It provides a dynamic and enriching experience for young visitors. With its engaging exhibits, interactive learning opportunities, and drive to give families a place to make memories the museum serves as a valuable resource for both children and their families, inspiring a lifelong passion for learning and exploration.
As a photographer, I want to help families find ways to create memories for their walls to have forever. It’s what I specialize in actually! I’m a luxury photographer who focuses on fun sessions that leave you with pictures you’ll cherish for years to come. If a session has crossed your mind, then I would love to connect! Reach out today to find out more.
Looking for more great family content? Check out these other blog posts.
