Wake County is investing in the future of play and learning with a sizable contribution toward the expansion of the Marbles Kids Museum. Following a pledge made last year, the Board of Commissioners has approved $2.72 million in funding for a new project aimed at ramping up the museum's draw for families and children, according to a recent county announcement.
The financial details, originating from the county's commitment, sketch out a picture where the majority of the project’s $6.14 million budget stems from a blend of public and private sources. Wake County will foot about 44% of the bill for the physical structure, with Marbles accounting for the rest, a staggering $3.42 million, for the exhibits and additional building expenses. Despite the heavy financial lift, no additional funding will be required from the county beyond what has been earmarked.
Key alterations to the museum’s northwest side will see the addition of a sizeable area dedicated to new exhibits, specifically a groundbreaking interactive cityscape designed to inspire the youth. Susan Evans, vice chair of the Wake County Board of Commissioners, highlighted the project’s significance as a milestone that transitions concepts into tangible enhancements for educational discovery, as she detailed in the county's statement.
The design phases will culminate in an expansive, innovative space where children take center stage, not just as visitors, but active participants in learning and imaginative play. Marbles' ambitions do not lay idle, resting on a promise to engage the workforce of tomorrow in a new era of exploration. Construction is set to initiate in early autumn 2025, with a timeline aimed at throwing open the doors to the public the following year. Reflecting the sentiments of Marbles CEO Jonathan Frederick, "The exhibit is a game-changer," the CEO told the Wake County news team.
