On Thursday, September 12, Del Valle ISD (DVISD) students cut the ribbon, officially revealing the new Thinkery – Del Valle, a groundbreaking neighborhood museum. This momentous event is a collaborative effort between Thinkery and Del Valle ISD, aimed at creating accessible and joyful learning opportunities for the Del Valle community.
After a thoughtful design process rooted in community listening, the new museum will open to the general public at a later date for General Admission hours, offering a hands-on, STEAM-based learning environment unlike any other. Thinkery – Del Valle, located within the Del Valle ISD Central Child Development Center (CDC), is a space designed to inspire curiosity and foster a lifelong love of learning.
What is Thinkery – Del Valle?
Thinkery – Del Valle features 30 interactive exhibits designed for learners of all ages, that allow visitors to explore, build, and experiment with science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) concepts. While it stays true to Thinkery’s mission of hands-on, play-based learning, the space has been uniquely crafted to reflect the needs and aspirations of the Del Valle community.
Andy Bell, CEO of Thinkery, expressed excitement at seeing the dream for this space become a reality: “Our partnership with Del Valle ISD to create a first-of-its-kind neighborhood museum and STEAM Learning Institute site is centered on a mutual goal to nurture a lifelong love of learning in every child in Del Valle so they thrive.”
What’s Next for Thinkery – Del Valle?
Thinkery – Del Valle will have a series of soft openings throughout the fall. These events will include special hours for students and families connected to the Del Valle ISD CDC, Stay and Play sessions, and field trips for the ACE afterschool program. Elementary school students will also have the opportunity to visit the museum during school-day field trips.
Thinkery – Del Valle will open to the general public at a later date for General Admission hours, with free admission available for Del Valle residents.
Shaira Ramzanali, Del Valle ISD School Board President, shared her enthusiasm for the new neighborhood museum: “DVISD is committed to innovative learning that prepares our students for the future, and this collaboration helps us drive towards that goal.”
A Partnership with Community at its Heart
Community played a pivotal role in shaping Thinkery – Del Valle. Through a series of listening sessions and ongoing collaboration, Thinkery and Del Valle ISD worked to ensure the space reflects the voices and needs of the community it serves.
Council Member Vanessa Fuentes emphasized the importance of this partnership: “Education leads to healthy, thriving communities, and I am proud to support Thinkery and Del Valle ISD as they work together to create impactful, joyful learning experiences for all.”
As Thinkery – Del Valle opens its doors, families in the Del Valle community will have access to enriching, hands-on learning experiences right in their neighborhood. Stay tuned for updates on General Admission hours and opportunities to explore this exciting new space!
