There is no greater magic than the joy that comes with sparking a child’s imagination. That sense of wonder and excitement is present around every corner of The Magic House as kids and families play and learn together every day. For more than four decades, the Kirkwood children’s museum has actively engaged children of all ages in their education through hands-on exhibits and activities that pique curiosity, enhance creativity and develop problem-solving skills.
“So much of what The Magic House offers is about engaging children through their creativity,” Stephanie Lee notes. “Whether it’s allowing kids to experience their favorite PBS Kids shows in person or using hands-on activities to spark interest in STEM subjects, the museum recognizes the important role play has in learning.” Lee and her husband have been long-time supporters of the museum. As a former school teacher, she recognizes the critical need for The Magic House’s programming, and as a mother, she loves how much her children enjoy learning through its permanent and special exhibits.
Lee notes that one of her family’s favorite attractions is the recently added Story Time Magic. Designed to enrich literacy, the 5,000-square foot exhibit invites guests to step into the world of their favorite stories and engage with reading and language. Children can explore the homes of Winnie the Pooh and Peter Rabbit or bring books to life at the Story Time Theater. “My daughter loves the stage and dress up area where she can recreate stories she’s read,” Lee says. “The Magic House created a space where kids can use their imaginations to connect with stories in meaningful and memorable ways.”
The Magic House maintains its operations through fundraising and donations, and the nonprofit’s largest annual fundraiser is its gala, The Magic Ball. This year, Once Upon a Time at The Magic Ball is Oct. 4 at Stifel Theatre. Guests can look forward to a storybook evening, featuring a cocktail hour, seated dinner, live auction and the happily ever after-party. “We want to share the magic stories have in childhood in a fun adult way—you’ll feel like you’re in a fairy tale,” Lee explains. “Without the gala and the support of the community, The Magic House wouldn’t be able to do the work it does or reach so many children and families.”
The gala directly benefits the museum’s Access for All initiative, which provides free or reduced admission, field trips, outreach programs and family nights for children in need, including Title I schools and military and foster families. Recently, the program partnered with the St. Louis Public Library to begin offering free passes to visit MADE for Kids, a 7,000-square-foot makerspace operated by the museum in the Academy-Sherman Park neighborhood. “Access for All reaches more than 88,000 children each year, allowing them to benefit from hands-on learning and play,” Lee says. “The Magic House is so much more than just a museum, it’s a place for children of all shapes, sizes and abilities to grow and thrive.”
The Magic House engages children through unique, hands-on learning experiences. Once Upon a Time at The Magic Ball is Oct. 4 at Stifel Theatre. Pictured on the cover: Rebecca Sheehan, Maria Conley, Katie Lappas, Stephanie Lee. For more information, call 314.822.8900 or visit magichouse.org.
Cover design by Julie Streiler
Cover photo by Tim Parker Photography
Pictured at top: Visitors enjoy the new Story Time Magic exhibit.
Photo courtesy of The Magic House
