Utica CM

The New Utica Children's Museum

Client: Utica Children's Museum
Location: Utica, New York
Opening Spring 2024

Challenge:

Re-imagine and launch the first children’s museum in the country that is fully integrated into a child and family support services center

Solution:

Create a new children’s museum that incorporates 21st century concepts of trauma-informed universal design standards, and serves children who are on the autism spectrum, have experienced trauma, or live in poverty. The exhibits and experiences at the new Children’s Museum will celebrate the diverse cultures of the Mohawk Valley, the built and natural environment of the area, and the multitude of play and work opportunities the region has to offer. Science, art, history, and culture will be woven through the entirety of the Children’s Museum, creating connections and building a sense of home that helps people “love where they live!”
Scope:
Exhibition master planning and design, construction documents, construction administration, museum board visioning workshops, strategic planning, community workshops, architectural advising, capital campaign budgeting, fundraising documents
 "Working with Hands On! Studio has been the best part of this monumental task of building a new state-of-the-art museum experience. They are always respectful and welcoming of my ideas even though I’m new to the museum world. Greg worked with our architects to be sure our building renovation plans were seamless; addressing construction, exhibit design and user function. They collaborated with our team to get a meaningful understanding of our region in relation to our vision. Their dedication and efforts will surely make us a valuable resource for our region and the network of children's museums."
Donna Migliaccio, Director, Utica Children's Museum

"While the thought of reimagining and relocating the Utica Children's Museum is beyond exciting, it is just as intimidating at the same time! The Hands On! team have been the perfect addition to our family as we move forward on an adaptive re-use building project. The collaboration with architects, construction manager, and our museum team is exactly what we needed to ensure that our museum will reflect the Mohawk Valley community and become a regional resource for families."
Steven Bulger, CEO, ICAN & UCM Project Director
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The New Utica Children's Museum

Client: Utica Children's Museum
Location: Utica, New York
Opening Spring 2024

Challenge:

Re-imagine and launch the first children’s museum in the country that is fully integrated into a child and family support services center

Solution:

Create a new children’s museum that incorporates 21st century concepts of trauma-informed universal design standards, and serves children who are on the autism spectrum, have experienced trauma, or live in poverty. The exhibits and experiences at the new Children’s Museum will celebrate the diverse cultures of the Mohawk Valley, the built and natural environment of the area, and the multitude of play and work opportunities the region has to offer. Science, art, history, and culture will be woven through the entirety of the Children’s Museum, creating connections and building a sense of home that helps people “love where they live!”
Scope:
Exhibition master planning and design, construction documents, construction administration, museum board visioning workshops, strategic planning, community workshops, architectural advising, capital campaign budgeting, fundraising documents
Back to Projects
"Working with Hands On! Studio has been the best part of this monumental task of building a new state-of-the-art museum experience. They are always respectful and welcoming of my ideas even though I’m new to the museum world. Greg worked with our architects to be sure our building renovation plans were seamless; addressing construction, exhibit design and user function. They collaborated with our team to get a meaningful understanding of our reg ion in relation to our vision. Their dedication and efforts will surely make us a valuable resource for our region and the network of children's museums."
Donna Migliaccio, Director, Utica Children's Museum
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