Kidsenses Interactive Museum
project type: fabrication , graphics , museums
The Exhibits
Located in a mid-block storefront on Main Street in Rutherfordton, North Carolina, the Kidsenses InterACTIVE Museum offers an engaging, memorable learning experience for children of all ages. The museum was designed as a series of discrete vignettes and interactive learning opportunities. Thematic exhibit areas like a grocery store, a fire house, a dentist’s office, a television studio, etc., surround a ‘town square’ on the main floor of the Museum. The ‘town square’, with benches, lamp posts, and a clock tower, serves as a centralized hub of activity and primary focal point. On the lower level, exhibits engage children in activities involving science, travel, theatrics, water play, a television studio, etc.
A Collaborative Effort
Kidsenses has become a destination for families and school groups from throughout the tri-state region. Additionally, it has become a part of the fabric of the town and contributed to revitalization efforts along Rutherfordton’s Main Street. Kidsenses’ success can be attributed to the collaborative design process from which it sprang; Mary Sinker, working with Reb Haizlip of the Haizlip Firm, developed the exhibit program and schematics. Haizlip, was also the architect for the building. Design Dimension completed final exhibit design and detailing with Haizlip, and went on to fabricate and install the exhibits.