Dear Museum Members and Guests,

Based on the early guidelines outlined in Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois Plan, the Children’s Discovery Museum built a reopening plan that would welcome back our members, visitors, and staff in July.  Unfortunately, the latest updates to the Phase 4 guidelines are more restrictive than anticipated and the Museum cannot reopen for now.

We know you are disappointed. We are too. The Phase 4 guidelines do not allow for hands-on interactive exhibits in museums to be used at this time. That’s why we are working hard to innovate and find new ways to play together! 

Here is what we are doing:

1. We will continue to operate in our limited capacity with Day Camps as allowed by Phase 4.
2. Our leadership is serving on a statewide committee with peer institutions to send state officials a recommended reopening plan specifically for children’s museums.   
3. We are re-imagining our entire building and museum experience to modify or work around our interactive exhibits to meet the new guidelines so that we can re-open in August.
4. We are surveying our users to get more input for our plan. Please take a few moments to answer these questions so we are able to better serve you: Click here for Survey.

We will reopen this summer and memberships will be extended once that date is established. Until then, please be patient as we navigate this unexpected obstacle to reopening. This extended closure means your donations, memberships, and store purchases are vital.  So sign up for Day Camp, shop with us in Uptown, and be on the lookout for STEAM activity kits and our Craft Beer BINGO fundraiser!

Thank you for your support,

Beth Whisman
CDM Executive Director