Frequently Asked Questions
Has the new Children's Museum of Los Angeles
opened yet?
When did the Children's Museum of Los Angeles close?
Why did the Children's Museum of Los Angeles
temporarily close?
Where is Hansen Dam Recreation Area?
Why Hansen Dam?
Is the Children's Museum of Los Angeles a City
museum?
Is there anything else for families to do around
the new Museum?
What's been happening in the time since the Museum
closed to the public?
Who have you chosen to design the building and the
exhibits?
How will the new Children's Museum of Los Angeles
be funded?
Is there anything I can do to help?
I'm confused... I still see the Children's Museum
of Los Angeles out in the community, are you providing activities
for children while the new Museum is being built?
Answers:
Q. Has the new Children's Museum of Los Angeles
opened yet?
A. No. We are working hard to get our new Children's Museum of
Los Angeles built. Please keep an eye on our website for
updates.
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Q. When did the Children's Museum of Los Angeles
close?
A. The Museum temporarily closed its doors on August 27, 2000.
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Q. Why did the Children's Museum of Los
Angeles temporarily close?
A. The original Children’s Museum, which opened in 1979, was never intended to serve as our permanent home. After serving nearly 5 million visitors, the Museum outgrew its space. To accommodate the growing number of visitors, the Board of Governors began designing a new, bigger, world-class facility to serve the children of Southern California and beyond.
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Q. Where is Hansen Dam Recreation Area?
A. Hansen Dam Recreation Area is located on 1,400 acres in the Northeast San Fernando Valley. Our new home is just minutes from Universal City and Burbank Airport and is a short ride from downtown Los Angeles and the Westside.
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Q. Why Hansen Dam?
A. Hansen Dam is Los Angeles' best kept secret. A beautiful park complete with riding trails, a lake, and
plenty of open space, Hansen Dam offers a spectacular arena for our
Museum. PLUS, to build
our facility the City of Los Angeles gave the Museum a 50-year lease
on approximately 1 acre of land in the Park.
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Q. Is the Children's Museum of Los Angeles a City
museum?
A. No. While the Museum has leased land from the City, the Museum is
a private, 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization.
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Q. Is there anything else for families to do
around the new Museum?
A. Absolutely! The
Museum will be at the center of a new and improved bustling
recreational area. The
Museum will be situated next to a NEW library and boundless
playground, in addition to the already existent trails, swimming
areas and horseback back riding facilities. The Museum is one of many activities that will offer families
from all over Los Angeles a wonderful year-round destination.
Q. What's been happening in the time since the
Museum closed to the public?
A. Great question! Since
August 2000, the Board of Governors has been tirelessly planning the
very best children's museum in the country, and these plans take
time.
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Q. Who have you chosen to design the building and
the exhibits?
A. Sarah Graham from Angelil/ Graham/ Pfenninger/ Scholl Architecture
is the architect for the NEW Museum at Hansen Dam. The Los Angeles-based firm has a world-wide reputation for
its innovative and environmentally friendly designs, and their plan
for Hansen Dam won't disappoint. Graham has designed a ?green' building that at certain
times of the day will run without electricity. This 57,000 square-foot facility will include indoor and
outdoor exhibit space, a café, performing arts theater and much
more.
As for the exhibits, Edwin Schlossberg and his
team from ESI Design have created the major exhibits for the new
Museum. ESI Design is
world-renowned for their innovative designs and child-friendly
concepts that are both educational and entertaining.
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Q. How will the new Children's Museum of Los
Angeles be funded?
A. The new Museum will rely on the support of the community to fund its construction and operations. Our $53 million capital campaign is currently underway and is seeking funds from individuals, corporations, private foundations and public sources. If you are interested in contributing to our capital campaign, please email Cecilia Aguilera-Glassman at cecilia@childrensmuseumla.org or call 818-686-9280 ext. 126.
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Q. Is there anything I can do to help?
A. Yes. Get involved by
making a contribution to the NEW Children's Museum of Los Angeles
at Hansen Dam Park. No
matter what the size, your support will help bring our amazing plans
to fruition.
Please make checks out to the Children's Museum of Los Angeles and send them to:
The Children's
Museum of Los Angeles
Attention: Capital
Campaign
11800 Foothill Blvd.
Lakeview Terrace, CA 91342
If you are interested in other ways of helping, please visit our Donations page, or contact us at: (818) 686-9280 ext. 126.
back to topQ. I'm confused ... I still see the Children's Museum of Los Angeles out in the community, are you providing activities for children while the new Museum is being built?
A. We sure are! Children's Museum2Go performances, workshops and activities are available for booking at schools, community centers, festivals, malls and any other place where children gather. For more information about these amazing programs, please emailFrank Pittarese at frank@childrensmuseumla.org or call (818) 686-9280, ext. 131.