Marbles Kids Museum expansion promises ‘game-changer’ exhibit for children

From staff reports

Wake County on Monday approved the design for the Marbles Kids Museum’s west courtyard enclosure and expansion project, with a project that will let children imagine their future lives in the workforce of tomorrow.

“This is the first phase of the architectural design process, where project concepts are turned into physical drawings,” Susan Evans, vice chair of the Wake County Board of Commissioners, said in a news release “The expansion is expected to greatly enhance the museum’s capacity to provide dynamic, educational experiences for visitors of all ages.”

Wake County Commissioners Vice Chair Susan Evans
Wake County Commissioners Vice Chair Susan Evans

The commissioners approved funding for the courtyard enclosure and expansion in 2022. The total project will cost roughly $6.14 million, with the county providing $2.72 million (44%) and Marbles contributing $3.42 million (56%).

What is in the project?

Marbles Kids Museum opened in 2007 and is a community-based nonprofit that strives to spark imagination, discovery and learning through play, according to the release.

The project will renovate and expand the northwest portion of the museum building, along South Blount Street.

  • The ground floor will add 2,600 square feet of new exhibit space, a family restroom and update a nearby multipurpose classroom.

  • The second floor will also add 2,600 square feet along with a new stairway and rooftop courtyard for outdoor play and events. The stairway will improve access between the museum’s existing areas and the new addition.

Within this space, Marbles is developing a new innovative exhibit where kids lead the way as the “workforce of the future” in an immersive cityscape. The exterior of the building on Blount Street will feature new environmental graphic design to connect and highlight the Marbles campus.

“The exhibit is a game-changer,” Marbles’ chief executive officer Jonathan Frederick said in the release. “We’re expanding access programs and adding new educational experiences, all so kids can explore their own futures. We’re so proud to lead the way in play, empowering the next generation of innovators, creators and problem-solvers.”

Construction is expected to begin in early autumn 2025 and take 10 months to complete, with the grand opening planned for autumn 2026.

How the project meets Wake County’s Strategic Plan goals

  • INCLUSIVE PROSPERITY GOAL 3 – By 2029, nine out of 10 residents asked will share that they can find and enjoy enriching experiences that support our community’s high quality of life.

  • LIFELONG LEARNING GOAL 4 – By 2029, three out of four residents asked will share that Wake County has high-quality education-based facilities, including schools, libraries and other educational resources.



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