Louisiana Children's Museum to add activities for teens

The big picture: The museum will convert some of the current indoor space into an exhibit for children ages 8 to 14, said museum CEO Tifferney White.

• It's expected to open in 2029, she said, and is being funded with a $2.5 million grant from the Lilly Endowment.
• The money also is supporting a multi-year teen mentoring program. Participants will get stipends as they contribute to developing the concept for the new exhibit.
• The museum had a pilot mentoring program last summer and will build on that, officials say.

Zoom in: It's common for kids to age out of children's museums around 8 or 9, White said. In other cities, they usually transition to science museums for programming through their teenage years.

• Since New Orleans doesn't have a science museum, White said the children's museum is hoping to fill the need.
• The programs and partnerships for students 9 to 18 are part of a new strategic agenda to address community needs, she said.

Zoom out: The new exhibit will go on the second floor near the bubble experience, White said.

• It will focus on teaching civic virtues such as community awareness and neighborliness, while incorporating virtues like teamwork, curiosity and critical thinking.
• The concept hasn't been finalized yet, officials said, but it may include videos from musicians and chefs along with hands-on activities.

State of play: The Louisiana Children's Museum was on Julia Street for decades.

• It moved to New Orleans City Park in 2019. The former museum space now houses a members-only club called Common House.
• This is the museum's first attempt at testing out a new exhibit since it opened in City Park, White tells Axios.

Go deeper: 1st look at Common House