A New Chapter for Creativity and STEAM Experiences
By Hannah Hockersmith
The heart of Downtown Mesa has long been home to a treasure trove of creativity and learning with the idea Museum. Recently, this beloved institution has embarked on an exciting new chapter with a comprehensive rebrand that reflects its evolving mission and vision. Formerly known as the i.d.e.a. Museum, the name has been simplified to idea Museum while preserving the powerful meaning behind its original acronym: Imagination, Design, Experience and Art. With a refreshed logo, transformed interior and exterior facelift featuring vibrant murals by local artists and giant interactive pinwheels, idea Museum is more than ever a beacon of creativity and community engagement.
The rebrand not only enhances the museum’s visual identity but also reinforces its commitment to fostering imagination and artistic expression. The modernized logo is designed to be approachable, readable, and inspiring—a perfect reflection of the museum’s core values. The colorful exterior murals further emphasize this by inviting the entire community to engage with art and creativity before even stepping through the doors.
At its core, idea Museum is a children’s creativity museum that blends hands-on activities with learning-based play, all through the lens of STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math. The inclusion of art within the traditional STEM framework is a deliberate choice, recognizing the role of creativity in enhancing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
This unique focus on STEAM comes to life throughout the museum—in ArtVille, a vibrant space designed for the youngest visitors aged 0-4; the HUB, an interactive area for hands-on exploration; and the latest exhibition, JoyRide: Art on Wheels, located in the Whiteman Family Exhibition Gallery, that features lowriders, tricked-out wheelchairs, skateboards, bikes and more. Building on these enriching experiences, the museum is preparing to elevate its STEAM offerings further with the highly anticipated launch of the idea Lab in early 2025.
The idea Lab: Where Art Meets Technology
The idea Lab, a brand-new space within the museum, will serve as a dynamic hub for exploring the intersection of art and technology. Developed in partnership with Meta’s Mesa Data Center, the idea Lab promises to deliver a one-of-a-kind interactive experience for children and families. This innovative space will seamlessly blend traditional crafts with modern technology, offering immersive experiences designed to spark creativity and critical thinking.
“Play-based learning is an essential component of a child’s development. This transformative space integrates play with cutting-edge technology, providing children a dynamic environment to cultivate creativity and critical thinking through interactive, hands-on experiences,” said Jarrad Bittner, Executive Director of the idea Museum.
Visitors to the idea Lab will have the opportunity to engage in physical art creation while exploring digital interactions. From tools like 3D printers and laser cutters to exhibits that highlight the sustainability of recycled materials, the space is designed to foster communal creativity and showcase the ripple effects of innovation. By encouraging children to experiment with both traditional and modern mediums, the idea Lab aims to cultivate a generation of problem solvers and innovators.
As the idea Museum embraces its refreshed identity and prepares to unveil the idea Lab, it invites families and community members to be part of this exciting journey. Whether you’re a longtime supporter or a first-time visitor, there’s never been a better time to experience the wonder of the idea Museum. With its renewed focus on imagination, design, experience and art, coupled with its dedication to STEAM education, the museum hopes to inspire through creativity, curiosity and connection. More information on the idea Museum can be found at ideamuseum.org.
Hannah Hockersmith, an Arizona native with a deep passion for the arts and their impact on the community, serves as the Marketing and Communications Manager for the City of Mesa’s idea Museum.
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