Children’s Discovery Museum reopens, first new exhibit | Lifestyles
NORMAL — After closing 14 months ago due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Children’s Discovery Museum is reopening to the public with an all-new exhibit.
Beth Whisman, executive director of Normal Cultural Arts and the Museum, said staff members had been planning for months.
Under Illinois’ “bridge phase” guidelines, the museum could operate at 60% capacity. In a recent interview with The Pantagraph, Whisman said the museum will slowly reach that capacity limit. Last month, the museum had a soft reopening for members only.
From May 27, the museum is offering timed entry with limited entry, around 200 people per timed group, she said. Visitors must schedule reservations and pay in advance.
Museum staff are implementing new cleaning procedures that include purchasing additional exhibit props that can be washed and rotated hourly.
Visitors over the age of 2 must wear a mask, which can be purchased at the museum store if required, and maintain social distancing as indicated by museum signage.
In this file photo from February 25, 2021, Liam Stahmer, 5, Normal, left, and his brother, Zach, 8, walk through an exhibit at the Children’s Discovery Museum.
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With the reopening, the museum launches its new “Healthy Me!” exhibition, which aims to teach children how to make healthy choices like brushing their teeth, washing their hands and making healthy food choices.
The museum will continue to offer activity kits and free Daily Dose of Play virtual activities on its website and on YouTube. People can schedule a visit on the museum’s website.
Photos: Children’s Discovery Museum strives to adhere to quarantine rules
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Ruthie Stahmer, 12, normal, caught glowing bubbles in an ultraviolet glow room inside the Children’s Discovery Museum, Thursday, February 25, 2021.
DAVID PROEBER, THE TROUSER
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In this file photo from February 25, 2021, Liam Stahmer, 5, Normal, left, and his brother, Zach, 8, walk through an exhibit at the Children’s Discovery Museum.
DAVID PROEBER, THE TROUSER
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Evie Barbee, 3, Heyworth, investigated a glowing mushroom inside the Light Room at the Children’s Discovery Museum, Thursday February 25, 2021.
DAVID PROEBER, THE TROUSER
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Ruthie Stahmer, 12, Normal, right, watched her brothers, Zach, 8, and Liam, 5, play in the Light Room at the Children’s Discovery Museum, Thursday, February 25, 2021.
DAVID PROEBER, THE TROUSER
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Children’s Discovery Museum tour guide James Brown gave a motivational speech to visitors, encouraging them to play to their heart’s content, during a guided play day, Thursday, February 25, 2021. The museum, although it is still closed to the public, is able to schedule supervised events under quarantine rules.
DAVID PROEBER, THE TROUSER
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Visitors to the Children’s Discovery Museum walk through a lighted passageway as they enter the Light Room, Thursday, February 25, 2021.
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Nico Klokkenga, 5, Hudson, performed at the Children’s Discovery Museum, Thursday, February 25, 2021. The museum, while still publicly closed, is able to schedule some limited events which are supervised under quarantine rules.
DAVID PROEBER, THE TROUSER
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Zach Stahmer, 8, Normal, left, and his brother, Liam, 5, play golf in the Bright Room at the Children’s Discovery Museum on Thursday in Normal.
DAVID PROEBER, THE TROUSER
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Liam Stahmer, 12, Normal, left, and his brother, Zach, 8, play tic-tac-toe in the Bright Room at the Children’s Discovery Museum, Thursday, February 25, 2021. The museum, although still publicly closed, is able to schedule limited events which are supervised under quarantine rules.
DAVID PROEBER, THE TROUSER
Contact Sierra Henry at 309-820-3234. Follow her on Twitter: @pg_sierrahenry.
