Amazement square will install "stem to mars: the art and science of propulsion," a new exhibition to engage students in central virginia with stem learning

The Institute of Museum and Library Services awarded Amazement Square $1.7 million on September 1, 2026, under the Museums for America program (CFDA 45.301) to design, fabricate, and install "STEM to Mars: The Art and Science of Propulsion," a permanent exhibition engaging Central Virginia students in STEM learning.

The exhibition will feature hands-on, large-scale interactives, multimedia experiences, and immersive simulations of life aboard the International Space Station, inviting visitors to explore propulsion physics, life-support systems, spacecraft design, and energy solutions for lunar and Martian missions. Museum staff will coordinate exhibit installation and deliver staff training to support an associated outreach program serving children, families, and educators across the region. The project builds on teacher feedback and successful pilot results from a related outreach initiative. The museum anticipates primary benefit to middle school students, supplemented by engagement with the museum's 80,000 annual visitors.

Amazement Square, doing business as The Rightmire Children's Museum, is a nonprofit children's museum in Lynchburg, Virginia. The assistance type is a Project Grant. Performance occurs in Lynchburg, Virginia, with a period of performance through August 31, 2028.

Building on teacher feedback and student evaluations of a successful pilot of a related outreach program, this project will focus on the fabrication and installation of the new long-term exhibition. Museum staff will coordinate exhibit installation, which will include hands-on, large-scale interactives, multimedia features, and immersive experiences that simulate life aboard the international space station, inviting visitors to explore propulsion physics, life-support systems, spacecraft design, and energy solutions required for missions to the moon and mars. The museum will provide staff training to deliver the associated outreach program to children, families, and educators across central virginia. The project will primarily benefit middle school students in the region, in addition to the museum's 80,000 annual visitors.