The children's museum of indianapolis will update the permanent exhibition, carousel wishes and dreams, to address a growing GAP in imaginative playtime for children while providing an immersive…

The Children's Museum of Indianapolis received a $500,000 federal Project Grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) under the Museums for America (CFDA 45.301) program. The grant will fund the update and enhancement of the museum's permanent Carousel Wishes and Dreams exhibition. Key activities include consulting with a carousel conservator to assess the condition of the museum's carousel and develop preservation recommendations, as well as planning and designing an immersive, accessible exhibition experience for visitors of all ages and abilities. Once conservation work is complete, the museum's specialized staff will produce and fabricate the new exhibition, which will offer long-lasting opportunities for self-directed play, exploration, and discovery. The project is slated for completion by August 31, 2027.

The children's museum of indianapolis will update the permanent exhibition, carousel wishes and dreams, to address a growing GAP in imaginative playtime for children while providing an immersive environment for self-directed play and exploration with enhanced accessibility. The project team will consult with a specialist carousel conservator to develop a condition and treatment history of the carousel and make recommendations for its preservation. Exhibition planning and design will be led by the museum's cross-departmental team while the carousel undergoes preservation and repairs. Museum staff who specialize in the creation of immersive 3D environments will produce and fabricate the exhibition once conservation is complete. As a result, the museum will offer a long-lasting immersive exhibition for visitors of all ages and abilities to play, explore, and discover.