The spark museum of electrical invention will complete the design phase of wonderlab, a 3,000-square-foot interactive science gallery dedicated to hands-on stem exploration

The Institute of Museum and Library Services awarded the Spark Museum of Electrical Invention $217,391 under the Museums for America program (CFDA 45.301) on September 1, 2026.

The museum will complete the design phase of WonderLab, a 3,000-square-foot interactive science gallery dedicated to hands-on STEM exploration. Project activities include spatial planning, schematic exhibit design, development of an interpretive framework, accessibility integration, and feasibility review. The museum will collaborate with professional exhibit designers and academic partners and will gather community input through a content advisory panel of educators, parents, and community representatives, as well as a youth advisory committee. Deliverables include a complete exhibit design plan and documentation needed to support future fabrication.

Performance extends from September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2027, at the museum's location in Bellingham, Washington. The primary beneficiaries are the museum's 18,000 annual visitors, including youth, and local educators.

The museum will collaborate with professional exhibit designers and academic partners to develop a comprehensive gallery design package. Project activities will include spatial planning, schematic exhibit design, development of an interpretive framework, accessibility integration, and feasibility review. Community input will guide the design process through a content advisory panel of educators, parents, and community representatives, as well as a youth advisory committee. Project deliverables will include a complete exhibit design plan and the documentation needed to support future fabrication. Primary beneficiaries are the museum's 18,000 annual visitors, including youth, as well as local educators.