Over the next few months, Thinkery will be making updates and shifts across select gallery spaces at our Mueller location, Thinkery – Meredith Learning Lab!
These changes are part of our ongoing work to keep the museum playful, relevant, and responsive to how families play and explore together.
Visitors can expect hands-on, play-based STEAM learning experiences throughout the museum, with refreshed layouts, returning favorites, and evolving spaces designed to keep visits engaging. As spaces shift, families will continue to find engaging experiences throughout the museum.
This page shares what is planned, what is in progress, and what has already been completed, so families know what to expect during their visit.
What’s Changing
Planned
Fortastic Adventure
Fortastic Adventure will move into the former Notion of Motion gallery, expanding opportunities for active, physical play.
Dedicated Snack Zone
A new dedicated snack zone will give families a comfortable place to pause, refuel, and recharge during their visit.
Imaginative Play Space (name coming soon!)
An imaginative play space inspired by a familiar bedroom setting, where children explore patterns, shapes, and design through hands-on play.
Quiet Room
A refreshed, quiet room will offer a private, calming space for nursing, resting, or decompressing.
Kitchen Lab (new name to come!)
Kitchen Lab will transform into a messy-making space designed for sensory-rich, hands-on exploration.
Spark Shop
Spark Shop will become a split space featuring a tinkering studio and a LEGO brick build zone.
In Progress
These updates are actively underway. Families may notice temporary closures, partial access, or behind-the-scenes work.
Notion of Motion Closure – February 9, 2026
This gallery will be closing as we begin work to transition the gallery to hold Fortastic Adventure.
Completed
These updates are already in place and ready to be explored.
Planning Your Visit
Thinkery remains a complete museum experience during all phases of gallery updates. Most changes happen gradually. While one space shifts, many others remain open and ready for play.
We invite you to visit, explore what’s unfolding, and check back as updates move forward.
Families may notice:
- Temporary gallery closures or partial access
- Construction walls or behind-the-scenes work
- Familiar experiences appearing in new locations
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my visit still feel full if galleries are changing?
Yes. Even while some spaces are being updated, many galleries remain open and ready for hands-on play.
Are galleries permanently closing?
Some galleries may pause or change to make room for what’s next. In many cases, familiar and well-loved elements continue as part of the Thinkery experience.
How long will these updates take?
Updates will roll out gradually over the next few months.
Why don’t you list exact dates for each update?
Because of the nature of construction and gallery transitions, timelines can shift. We share progress by stage instead of exact dates to keep information accurate for visitors.
Will tickets or memberships be discounted during updates?
Thinkery continues to offer a full museum experience during gallery updates. Tickets and memberships remain available as usual.
What will we experience during a visit right now?
Children can expect hands-on, play-based STEAM learning, opportunities to move and explore, and engaging experiences throughout the museum.
Families may notice:
- Temporary gallery closures or partial access
- Construction walls or behind-the-scenes work
- Familiar experiences appearing in new locations
Pop-up play opportunities in shared spaces
Where can I find the latest updates?
This page will be updated as changes move from planned to in progress and completed.