National Children’s Museum - Washington, DC

The National Children's Museum - Washington, DC will build a new facility at National Harbor in Prince George's County, Maryland. The museum is projected to open in 2013 and will be a 150,000 square-foot world class cultural and educational center. While the permanent space for the National Children's Museum is in development, a new Launch Zone opens in April 2009 to serve as a temporary space with interactive exhibits and programs.

National Children's Museum Launch Zone

Open to the public seven days a week, this new space uses interactive exhibits and computer kiosks to give children and families the opportunity to experience exhibit components and programs, share their ideas about what should be included in the new Museum, and participate in fun and educational programs. The Launch Zone will also host ongoing area Museum Without Walls programming, professional development workshops and trainings, and community learning events for parents and caregivers.

Address: 112 Waterfront Street, National Harbor, Maryland

Hours: April 25-May 31, 2009
Mon-Sat 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

June 1-August 31, 2009
Mon-Wed 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Thurs-Sat 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sun 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Sept. 1 - Oct. 31, 2009
Mon-Sat 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

National Children's Museum Building Plans

When completed, the new museum will house exhibits, programs, and resources designed to spark the imagination and celebrate the power of children and their families. Interior exhibits will highlight six core content areas (the environment, health and well-being, play, civic engagement, the arts, and world cultures).

The National Children's Museum will be a LEED-certified building, serving as an active teaching tool, highlighting the accomplishments of children; using recycled and sustainable materials; and celebrating the natural environment. The Museum plans to incorporate a number of green features in the new building, including:

• A Wind Turbine: The building's wind turbine, a symbol of NCM's commitment to sustainable and renewable energy, will be a source of power.
  
  
• A Sun Reflector: A series of reflective panels on the roof of the arrival space will reflect sunlight, minimize artificial lighting, and reduce energy loads during the day.
  
  
• A Living Wall: The Museum's south facing façade features a cable and tray system to support a framework for a living, green wall. The Living Wall will shade the building from the bright, hot southern sun, helping to cool the building and reduce energy demands.
  
  
• A Green Roof: A green roof system will provide for sedums and small scale planting, absorb rainwater (reducing storm run off), improve thermal insulation, and reduce the "heat island" effect.
  
  
• Recycled Materials: The new Museum will use recycled structural steel and some recycled brick from demolished buildings

New Website

A newly designed NCM website features new and updated Museum information, a schedule of activities, opportunities to get involved with the organization, as well as a virtual Launch Zone. The Launch Zone page provides kids from across the country the opportunity to learn about NCM's green building features, test select exhibit and program content, and help shape the Museum through rotating interactive experiences.