On Thursday, local MPP Terence Kernaghan met with the London Children’s Museum to celebrate a $150,000 Capital grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF).
The funding will enable the London Children’s Museum to create The Annex, a fresh and flexible exhibit located within their future home at 100 Kellogg Lane. A multipurpose space designed for community collaboration, The Annex will serve as an event venue and host for travelling exhibits, art installations, concerts, and community events.
“I am incredibly pleased that the Ontario Trillium Foundation has awarded a much-needed Capital grant to the London Children’s Museum. As Canada’s first children’s museum, countless families and schools have enjoyed the engaging, experiential, inquiry-based activities available here,” said Terence Kernaghan, MPP for London North Centre. “Throughout design and construction, the museum has focused on gathering the public’s insights for the creation of their new home, reflecting both the broader London community and their own neighbourhood. I can hardly wait to attend events at The Annex. Thank you to the brilliant leadership at the London Children’s Museum and to the Ontario Trillium Foundation for supporting the future of this significant London institution.”
Funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation was instrumental in creating this new gathering space where community, arts, and culture will be celebrated. One of eight custom-built exhibits under construction at the new London Children’s Museum, The Annex is the result of feedback from hundreds of community members.
“Through extensive community consultations, the public identified the need for larger and more accessible community spaces,” said Emily Schinbein, London Children’s Museum Board Chair. “This exhibit is the direct result of input from over 500 children, families, and partner organizations. It will provide children and families with more inclusive and diverse events and programs at the London Children’s Museum, allowing community members to make meaningful connections and learn from one another.”
Part of the community for over 45 years, the London Children’s Museum provides play-based learning opportunities that support children’s healthy cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. The new London Children’s Museum, currently under construction at 100 Kellogg Lane, will allow children to explore science, art, technology, nature, history, and culture in a space designed to support their wonder and curiosity. This state-of-the-art educational and cultural destination will feature eight immersive and interactive exhibits. With over 36,000 square feet of open-concept space, it will provide interactive play, innovative exhibits, and shared spaces for children and families to learn and grow.
The new London Children’s Museum is a $23 million project, with $19 million secured to date. Construction is set for completion in fall 2024.
“Non-profit organizations across Ontario deliver programming that makes a difference,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. “That’s why funding that my ministry is providing through the OTF is so important. Our government wants to ensure that these programs and spaces remain the heart of communities across our province.”
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Last year, OTF invested more than $110M into 1,044 community projects and multi-sector partnerships. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment. Visit otf.ca to learn more.
