The Children’s Museum of Fond du Lac celebrated the grand opening of its newest gallery Light Wonders Oct. 28.
The $122,000 project was designed to spark creativity, provide comfort, and inspire discovery for children and families of all abilities.
More than 40 guests, including community partners, supporters, and families, attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Children from CMFDL’s Mini Monets class handed out hand-crafted thank you notes to sponsors and guests, while attendees enjoyed coffee, light breakfast, and a separate “Glow & Light” activity inspired by the pointillism art style. Glow wands and glow sticks were available for all guests to celebrate with, adding a playful glow to the morning event.
“Light Wonders truly reflects our vision of inclusion, imagination, and community connection,” said Andrea Welsch, CEO of CMFDL. “It is a place where every child, regardless of ability or background, can play, create, and grow together.”
The Light Wonders Gallery transforms an underutilized area of the museum into an immersive and inclusive space featuring three interactive zones:
- Sensory Room: A multi-sensory environment with a marble panel, bubble tube, fiber optic curtain, sensory pod, and tools like weighted stuffed animals and ear muffs. The space supports sensory exploration, cognitive development, and self-regulation for neurodiverse and neurotypical visitors alike.
- Litezilla Giant Lite Brite Wall: A 12-foot by 6-foot illuminated wall where children create colorful designs with light pegs that encourage fine motor skills, artistic expression, and collaboration.
- Mind & Motion Exhibit: An interactive projection system that can be displayed on the wall or floor, encouraging movement, creativity, and social play that strengthens both gross motor and cognitive development.
“This project represents how far the museum has come and how deeply it has grown into its role in the community,” said Jeff Nuss, community leader and longtime supporter. “Back in 2013, when I was a board member, we were literally hauling used exhibit pieces from one building to the next. To see a project of this scale now come to life is truly transformational for the museum and for Fond du Lac.”
The museum serves more than 50,000 visitors each year, with about one-third (16,500) visiting through access programs that serve low-income and high-need families.
Major sponsors supporting this project include: Alliant Energy Foundation; Rachel Ansay, BA, M.Ed; CD Smith; Fond du Lac Area Foundation (Society Insurance Charitable Fund); Mariann Geiger and Family; JF Ahern; Kiwanis Club of Fabulous Fond du Lac; Mary and Steve Millin; Andrea and Jeff Nuss; Dr. Mary and Chris Schultz; Twohig Flooring America; and Marlys and Dr. John Welsch.
