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A 15,000+ square foot museum filled with exhibitions, play spaces and activities designed to support the physical, cognitive, social and emotional development of New Jersey's children. Carefully tied to NJ State Core Curriculum Standards, the exhibits will provide active learning opportunities for families, students, and educators throughout the region.
Drawing upon and advancing best practices in universal, inclusive design, The Children's Museum of New Jersey (CMNJ) will welcome all children and families, with emphasis on children with special needs, particularly those on the Autism Spectrum.
CMNJ is a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization dedicated to creating an interactive, hands-on educational resource to serve the needs and interests of young children and their families and educators. With a two-pronged focus on (1) young learners 2-8 years old; and (2) children with special needs, CMNJ will differentiate itself from the region's many important cultural institutions and will catalyze improved educational outcomes by enhancing school readiness, strengthening families, and offering an environment in which children and caregivers of all backgrounds can learn together.
Extensive demographic research indicates that there are over 1.5 million children in the region, and yet New Jersey lacks a first-rate museum dedicated solely to the needs and interests of its youngest citizens. Conservative estimates project 350,000 visitors annually, which would make CMNJ one of the most popular children's museums in the country - with room to grow!
The Association of Children's Museums and the national educational and museum professional leadership have called CMNJ's focus on special needs "Groundbreaking", noting that no other institution in the country has taken such a planning and design approach.
CMNJ will be located in the heart of downtown Newark, adjacent to public transportation and easily accessible by car.
Dedicated parents, educators, community advocates, and political leaders from all over the state have come together to create an interactive museum where children can learn and explore through joyful play in an inclusive environment that celebrates cultural engagement, environmental awareness, and community well-being.
CMNJ plans to launch a prototype showcase museum in the fall of 2010 and has a longer-term goal of opening a 75,000 SF museum before 2015.
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