The children's discovery museum will implement the design phase of an ongoing exhibit renovation project, "full steam ahead." the project will renovate the first and third floors of the museum's…

The Institute of Museum and Library Services awarded $2.382 million to the Town Of Normal Children's Discovery Museum Foundation on September 1, 2026, under the Museums for America program (CFDA 45.301) to fund the design phase of "Full Steam Ahead," an ongoing exhibit renovation project.

The Children's Discovery Museum will engage an external design firm to develop detailed design and schematic drawings, produce illustrated plans, and finalize engineering and fabrication cost estimates for renovation of the museum's first and third floors. The renovated exhibits will explore energy, environment, transportation, innovation and technology, manufacturing, trades, and fine arts through a STEAM lens, incorporating direct engagement with subject matter experts, community partners, and museum users. The design work will further the museum's efforts to secure funding for final construction and create a more cohesive, inclusive, and modern exhibit environment for its 140,000 annual visitors, with primary focus on children ages 3–8 and their families.

Work is performed in Normal, Illinois, with a period of performance through September 30, 2027.

The children's discovery museum will implement the design phase of an ongoing exhibit renovation project, "full steam ahead." the project will renovate the first and third floors of the museum's exhibits, exploring energy, environment, transportation, innovation/technology, manufacturing, trades, and the fine arts through the lens of steam. Based on direct engagement with subject matter experts, community partners, and museum users, the museum will work with an external design firm to develop detailed design and schematic drawings, produce illustrated plans, and finalize engineering and fabrication cost estimates. The project will further the museum's efforts to secure funding for final construction, and will result in a more cohesive, inclusive, and modern exhibit environment to benefit its 140,000 annual visitors including its primary audience of children ages 3-8 and their families.