Vision Statement: To inspire children and their families to reach their full potential
through discovery, creativity and learning.
Mission Statement: To provide world class exhibits that create play-based, interactive, hands-on learning experiences for children and their families.
The Tucson Children’s Museum is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization providing hands-on learning experiences for children. Formed in 1986, the Museum has been located in the City’s historic Carnegie Library building in downtown Tucson since 1991. More than 95,000 children and adults visited the Tucson Children’s Museum in 2008. Our geographic focus is Southern Arizona, with 80% of our visitors from Pima County.
Forty percent of visitors to the Museum are from low-income areas. The Museum obtains zip code data from visitors. The Museum offers free admission on twelve full days each year, and in 2007, began a program to offer free and reduced-rate evening visits. Through grants provided for the purpose, many school groups are admitted free of charge if 50% or more of their students qualify for reduced or free lunch programs under Federal guidelines. The Museum also has a program to provide free family memberships to low-income families.
Our visitor exit survey has shown that an average of 60% of visitors are Caucasian, 24% Hispanic, 5% American Indian, 2% African American, and 3% Asian/Pacific Islander. The survey is conducted in both English and Spanish via a touch screen computer.
The Museum includes twelve permanent exhibit areas in over 11,000 square feet. Exhibits are interactive, allowing children to “learn by doing.” Exhibits, such as the Tucson Electric Power Electri-City, the Música de las Americas music room, the Art Studio, Dinosaur World, the Ocean Discovery Center, the Fire Station, Mind Your Own Body, and the new Build It and Whistle Stop exhibits make for an interactive and educational experience. Preschoolers have their own exploration space with the Enchanted Rain Forest.
The Museum’s fall/winter multicultural program series includes: the Children’s Social Powwow, the Día de los Muertos festival, and the Festivals of Friendship, celebrating the holiday traditions of Tucson’s diverse cultures. Throughout the year, the Museum presents many programs and activities, including daily hands-on activities, Tykes Time programs for preschoolers, and special weekend and holiday programs.
The Museum’s youth volunteer program involves young people aged 13 and up. The program has an average of 40 to 60 participants at a time from schools throughout Pima County. Many adults also volunteer their time at the Museum.
TCM Staff Directory
Michael Luria
Executive Director
Phone: (520)792-9985 ext.104
Kendra Decker
Director of Visitor Services
Phone: (520)792-9985 ext.106
Jennifer Camano
Development Director
Phone: (520)792-9985 ext. 103
Brooke Sanders-Silverman
Director of Education
Phone: (520)792-9985 ext. 114
Jennifer Phillips
Education and Volunteer Coordinator
Phone: (520)792-9985 ext.111
Peggy Solís
Director of Community Relations and Marketing
Phone: (520)792.9985 ext.112
Ali Gaona
Coordinator of Member & Donor Services
Phone: (520)792-9985 ext. 113
