Mission and Community Involvement
Our Mission
The Magic House will engage all children in hands-on learning experiences that encourage experimentation, creativity and the development of problem-solving skills within a place of beauty, wonder, joy and magic.
In support of this mission, The Magic House will . . .
- Create exhibits and programs that reflect the special abilities and interests of children, that give children the tools to construct their own knowledge and that foster their natural curiosity to learn.
- Provide a safe, wholesome and stimulating environment where families can learn together, laugh together and be together.
- Extend learning beyond the museum experience—creating exhibits and programs that serve as an enticement to further investigation and learning.
- Be an educational resource to the community through programs that support hands-on education.
- Be an inclusive organization, reaching out to those in the community who have the fewest opportunities.
Community Involvement
The Magic House believes it is important to bring the magic of the museum and hands-on learning experiences to communities, schools and families that need it most. Thanks to the generous support of corporate and foundation grants, The Magic House is able to provide those opportunities.
A Dose of Magic
Since 2001, The Magic House has been fortunate to receive grants from the Saigh Foundation to present A Dose of Magic. The Magic House collaborates with the Child Life departments of four St. Louis pediatric hospitals: St. Louis Children’s Hospital, Shriners Hospital for Children— St. Louis, Ranken Jordan (a pediatric rehabilitation center) and SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital. Because many of the young patients at these health-care facilities are often unable to visit the museum due to illness, injury or risk of infection, The Magic House comes to them with outreach programs designed to deliver hands-on learning experiences in their own hospital wards, playrooms and even beds.
A Dose of Magic also enables The Magic House to provide free special evening events for patients and their families when the museum is closed to the general public. Many of these children endure long-term or frequent hospitalizations and care as they undergo extensive rehabilitation, therapy and treatment for chronic diseases. Because of their physical conditions, these children are often unable to enjoy children’s museums and other attractions that draw large crowds during regular public hours.
Education Program
Scholarship Fund
The Magic House raises money for the Scholarship Fund through corporate and foundation grants and an annual Gala. This fund allows the museum to continue our enduring commitment to reach underserved St. Louis children who most need the unique hands-on educational services that only The Magic House provides. Last year, The Magic House provided curriculum-enriching educational programs free of charge to 25,000 St. Louis children through contributions to the Scholarship Fund.
Library Partnerships
The Magic House has a long history of collaborating with the St. Louis Public Library. Museum educators present programs at the various library branches throughout the year, and especially during the summer.
Each summer the museum hosts a Free Family Night for each library branch, providing city neighborhoods with the opportunity to visit The Magic House together free of charge. Transportation is provided and every family receives a free book to take home.
The Magic House Outreach
The Magic House is proud to be a part of the St. Louis community and participates in numerous area fairs and celebrations, bringing hands-on learning to area neighborhoods.
If you would like information on how The Magic House may participate in your upcoming event, please call 314.822.8900, ext. 515.