DISCOVERY Children’s Museum Awarded $250,000 Grant from The Institute of Museum and Library Services for the Third Consecutive Year

Las Vegas, Nevada – DISCOVERY Children’s Museum is excited to announce that it has been awarded a $250,000 grant from the prestigious Museums for America Program, administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), for the third year. This grant will support the innovative “Desert to the Stars” project, an interactive climber exhibit that explores the natural environment of Southern Nevada.

Out of 347 applications and 115 recipients, the “Desert to the Stars” project was recognized for its exceptional merit and innovative approach to fostering lifelong learning and community engagement. Building on previous grants, the project team will continue to work closely with partners to incorporate visitor feedback and ensure a welcoming environment, clear learning goals, and visitor safety.

“Desert to the Stars” will be themed to the natural environment of Southern Nevada and will achieve five key goals:

1. Promote curiosity and exploration of the natural environment.
2. Strengthen gross motor skills and physical activity.
3. Modulate excess sound in the Museum.
4. Provide a welcoming, accessible environment for all ages and abilities.
5. Prioritize the safety of all guests.

The “Desert to the Stars” exhibit will feature various activities, including the fabrication of exhibition components, the development of programs and materials for families and school groups, the production of signage, and the installation of the components for public viewing. This new centerpiece exhibit will promote curiosity, enhance learning efficacy, and strengthen gross motor skills in a safe and educational environment. The gallery experience will be designed to meet the interests of families, children from birth to 12 years old, caregivers, and educators.

The exhibit will expand visitors’ understanding of what lies beyond the city limits of Las Vegas. DISCOVERY’s Desert to the Stars will be unique in its site-specific construction and content, focusing on Southern Nevada’s history, geography, flora, and fauna. Immersive technology using interactive LED panels will bring the desert, forest, mountains, clouds, and space into virtual reality, introducing technological literacies to young visitors while creating exciting anticipation about exploring the exhibit. As visitors climb upward, they ascend from the “desert floor” to the “sky and stars” while learning about environmental science, biology, and astronomy. Fabrication, installation, and evaluation of the reimagined centerpiece climber exhibit will occur over the next two years.

The IMLS Museums for America grants are highly competitive, providing invaluable support to museums of all sizes and enabling them to enrich their programs and enhance public service. With this funding, DISCOVERY Children’s Museum will embark on an ambitious redesign of its popular “Desert to the Stars” exhibit, incorporating new content around water conservation and sustainable practices.

Melissa Kaiser, CEO of DISCOVERY Children’s Museum, shared her excitement: “Receiving the maximum funding of $250,000 for the third consecutive year is a testament to the significance of our project and the dedication of our team. This grant will allow us to continue providing unique and engaging learning experiences for our community.” This is one of a few exhibits that will be getting a refresh at the Museum.

For over 34 years, DISCOVERY Children’s Museum has been a cornerstone of the community, offering enriching experiences for children of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. The museum constantly evolves, embracing state-of-the-art exhibits and programs that ignite the spirit of discovery. “We are our community’s home for discovery,” Kaiser added, “and we are excited to continue our journey of empowering young learners through curiosity, innovation, and engagement.”