Established 1983 Website thinkeryaustin.org Founded 1983 | Type Children's Phone +1 512-469-6200 | |
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Director Troy M. Livingston (2015-2016) Hours Open today · 10AM–5PM · See hoursThursday10AM–5PMFriday(Cesar Chavez Day)10AM–5PMHours might differSaturday10AM–6PMSunday10AM–6PMMondayClosedTuesday10AM–5PMWednesday10AM–8PMSuggest an edit CEO Troy Livingston (Aug 2015–) Similar Bullock Texas State Hist, Austin Nature & Science, Blanton Museum of Art, Zilker Park, Elisabet Ney Museum Profiles | ||
Thinkery (formerly the Austin Children's Museum) is a children's museum in Austin, Texas.
Contents
History
The museum was founded in 1983 without a permanent location, providing traveling exhibits in public places such as malls, parks and libraries. In 1987, a storefront on Fifth Street became the Austin Children's Museum's first established location. In 1997, a fundraising campaign, including a million-dollar donation by Michael and Susan Dell, helped the museum move to a larger space at Colorado and Second Street.
The downtown location closed on September 7, 2013, with the new Thinkery location opening December 7 at the Meredith Learning Lab — a 40,000-square-foot facility in the Mueller Community.
In 2015, nearly 500,000 visitors came to Thinkery.
Overview
Thinkery was designed to meet the demand of the greater Austin region for learning experiences in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) subjects. for children and families. It offers a schedule of activities and programs designed to engage children, educators and lifelong learners. Gallery experiences range from developmentally appropriate sensory experiences to staff-facilitated activities involving a wide variety of tools such as 3D printers, soldering irons, circuits, woodworking materials and more.