Kaleideum
Kaleideum, opened in early 2024, represents the dynamic merger of SciWorks and the Children’s Museum of Winston-Salem. The facility and its exhibits embody the institution’s objective, and primary challenge, of creating an experience that is a seamless fusion of the two previous museums – a seamless fusion of art and science – akin to a kaleidoscope. This integration became the ethos in both the museum’s visual language and its interactive experiences.
The Challenge
After leading the institutional and visitor experience master planning, the design firm was selected to design and build 18,000 square feet of exhibit space. The result is a vibrant facility featuring nearly 100 hands-on exhibits that blend traditional interactives with cutting-edge technology across six uniquely themed galleries. These include “In Motion,” “Wonders of Water,” “Storytelling,” and “By Design,” all brought to life with original art direction featuring bespoke murals, structures, and immersive environments. The design goal was to create sophisticated, yet playful, environments for all visitors which included collaboration with local artists to reflect and celebrate Winston-Salem’s creative spirit.
Project Vision
Exhibit highlights include the exhilarating Fog Tunnel, where guests experiment with light and air in a colorful mist-filled experience, and the innovative Photo Fort Climber, which combines physical play with dynamic self-portrait displays that allow guests of all backgrounds to literally “see themselves” in the museum. The “Storytelling” gallery features an artfully imagined letter-munching dragon that engages young visitors in phonetics and the science of reading.
Keith Isaacs Photo
Keith Isaacs Photo
Design + Execution
Another project challenge was designing experiences that could accommodate Kaleideum’s diverse audience, including individuals of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. Understanding the diverse needs and accessibility needs of visitors—from toddlers to grandparents—the design firm incorporated thoughtful features into each gallery’s design such as comfortable seating, quiet spaces, accessible pathways, and activities designed to foster engagement between children and their caregivers.
With an all-inclusive project budget of $50 million for the new museum, concept designs began in March 2017 and final installations were completed in January 2024, just ahead of the public opening in February 2024. Initial anecdotal response has been overwhelmingly positive. The museum is expected to bring in 300,000 visitors annually with an anticipated local economic impact of more than $10M. Guest attendance totals for its first year are not yet available.
Keith Isaacs Photo
Keith Isaacs Photo
Keith Isaacs Photo
Keith Isaacs Photo
Keith Isaacs Photo
Project Details
Design Team
Roto
Photo Credits
Keith Isaacs Photo
Open Date
February 2024