About Boston Children's Museum
308 Congress St, Boston, MA 02210
Boston Children’s Museum had become a popular family destination with a few problematic shortcomings, largely due to its success. At peak times, the main circulation became a frenzied traffic jam and key exhibits were hidden and tucked away. The renovation and expansion of the brick warehouse needed to turn the building from a game of hide and seek, to an explorer’s playground for adventure.
Placing a robust new “frame” in front of the existing warehouse creates a new lobby, visitor center and rotating exhibit space, and succeeds in engaging the waterfront. Between the frame and the original building, a transparent circulation bridge connects patrons and pedestrians to activities both inside and out.
Drawing inspiration from a chest of drawers, the design re-imagines the warehouse façade addition as a series of such drawers and cleverly integrates flexible event space and storage. New exhibits and public areas were concentrated on the first three floors with clear circulation and space to play and maneuver, while administrative offices were moved to the fourth floor. A dramatic new entry and renovated plaza takes full advantage of the Harborwalk location and puts play on full display.
