KOHL CHILDREN'S MUSEUM OF GREATER CHICAGO

As a leader in demonstrating the role of interactive play in learning, Kohl Children’s Museum creates exemplary, developmentally appropriate, hands-on educational experiences for young children in a fun, intimate environment. Situated on nearly nine acres of land, including two acres of bounded outdoor space, the Museum features 17 interactive exhibits designed with expert knowledge of how children learn through self-directed play. Within this setting, the Museum organizes enrichment activities and programs specifically designed to address the developmental needs of children ages birth to eight, welcoming approximately 350,000 visitors per year.
 
As a valued community resource, the Museum conducts several high impact outreach programs that serve approximately 10,000 children, families and educators each year, including Early Childhood Connections, Kraft Healthy Lifestyles and the Allstate Positive Play Program. In addition to its direct service to the community, the Museum serves as a model for environmentally sound and sustainable building practices and barrier-free learning opportunities. The Museum has been designed, constructed, and maintained to serve as a model for sustainable building practices and has received silver-level certification as a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) building by the US Green Building Council. Further, Museum exhibits and programs and the built environment were all designed according to the principles of Universal Design enabling complete accessibility to children of all abilities.

On June 4, 2009, the Museum re-opened Habitat Park, its 2-acre outdoor exhibit, featuring climbing structures, a grass maze, a sensory garden, and a 9-piece interactive sculpture trail.  The exhibit helps children get back in touch with nature in a safe and secure environment. 

This summer, Habitat Park will host "Music at the Museum" a series of family concerts sposnored by Ravinia Festival.  Held outside in Habitat Park, the series will feature classical, pop, and jazz music.  Dates include:

• Friday, July 10 - Lincoln Trio (classical music)
• Thursday, July 30 - BritBeat (Beatles cover band)
• Thursday, August 20 - Emily Bear (7-year-old pianist performing original jazz and more)

Tickets are available for each concert inividually or for the whole series at a discount.  Visit http://www.kohlchildrensmuseum.org/music for more information.

Partner Category: Cultural Institution or Organization