Amazeum expansion full STEAM ahead
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A rendering shows the planned expansion, including outdoor amenities. Courtesy of Modus Studio and Scott Family Amazeum
The Scott Family Amazeum in Bentonville is raising money for a 34,740-square-foot expansion that it plans to finish next year.
Why it matters: The expansion will mean more programming for children, educators and parents. It'll further encourage early childhood learning and development that inspires lifelong learning, spokesperson Holland Hayden told Axios.
- The Amazeum offers programming to pique children's curiosity around STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) with interactive play and sees visitors from outside NWA, including neighboring states.
State of play: The planned addition includes an 11,850-square-foot education center that will include tinkering space for kids and classroom space. The previously announced community gathering space is included in that center.
- Outdoor space will include new amenities like a climbing wall, slides and an underground dome plus a nature center with space to learn about erosion and a kitchen to make mud pies.
By the numbers: The Amazeum has raised $17.3 million of the needed $25 million. The money raised includes the $10.35 million from the Lee and Linda Scott family announced in May 2023.
Between the lines: "We're trying to keep people in Northwest Arkansas," Hayden said.
- The Amazeum exposes kids to STEAM fields, and the hope is that some will go on to pursue careers in those fields.
What's next: The plan is to break ground by the end of this summer. And stay tuned for a second expansion phase.