The Wake County Board of Commissioners has approved the design for the Marbles Kids Museum West Courtyard Enclosure and Expansion project, marking an exciting step forward in the ongoing development of one of the county’s top family attractions. Wake County has committed a total of $2.72 million to the project, with no additional funding required.

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

The Wake County Board of Commissioners approved funding for the Marbles Kids Museum West Courtyard Enclosure and Expansion project in 2022. The total project cost is estimated at $6.14 million. Wake County will provide $2.72 million (44%) toward the design and construction of the enclosure and expansion, while Marbles will contribute $3.42 million (56%) for exhibit development as well as building construction costs. Public art funding has also been reserved for the activation of the Blount Street exterior and other parts of the building.

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 and a family restroom and will 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,” said Marbles CEO Jonathan Frederick. "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.

This project supports the following Wake County 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.
   

Marbles Kids Museum opened in 2007 and is a community-based nonprofit children’s museum with a mission to spark imagination, discovery and learning through play. Marbles is committed to ensuring its unique, award-winning museum experience is available and accessible to every child. Marbles serves a diverse population of families, school groups and community organizations with dozens of themed exhibits, summer camps, IMAX documentary and feature movies and special events year-round.