Before The Magic House opened 37 years ago, museums were hallowed places. Exhibits were behind glass or ropes—to be seen, but not touched. “We were an instant success,” says The Magic House president Beth Fitzgerald, who has headed the innovative, hands-on children’s museum since its inception, when she took the job right out of college. Although a lot has changed since that time—its footprint has expanded tenfold, and more than 12 million pairs of feet have walked its halls—one thing has certainly stayed the same: “From the start, the museum has been committed to supporting the underserved, to enriching the lives of all children and families,” Fitzgerald says.
Access for All, funded by donations and general admission fees, is the museum’s program to provide The Magic House experience for free to foster and military families, Big Brother-Big Sister pairs, Title 1 schoolchildren and organizations for youths with special needs. Last year, 85,000 individuals benefited from the program, either receiving free or reduced admission, or being served through community outreach programs such as The Magic House ‘satellite’ in North County’s St. John community. Additionally, the museum has brought joy to more than 16,000 visitors on special free nights. “Our board realized 10 years ago that [the museum] was just sitting there at night, which was such a waste,” Fitzgerald says, adding that The Magic House was open to schools 120 nights last year and even provided transportation for students.
“This is the reason why I became so involved—to help make sure we have the means to let all children come,” says The Magic House committee chair Linda Hunter, who also is on the board and has been gala chair twice. With today’s emphasis on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), Hunter says it’s even more important to extend The Magic House reach to students who might not have as much exposure to those disciplines.
As for the satellite location in St. John, Fitzgerald says the original idea was born of a small, transportation-themed Magic House exhibit that opened at St. Louis Lambert International Airport a couple of years ago. That has been followed by a chess-themed offshoot—Kings, Queens and Castles—established last month on a 3,000-square-foot floor of St. John Municipal Center, where it will stay until Aug. 11. In addition to the fun exhibit with a castle and drawbridge, oversized chess pieces and dress-up options, the Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis is hosting chess camps there this summer. Admission is completely free for everyone, regardless of ability to pay. Fitzgerald adds that The Magic House is exploring other possible satellite locations as part of its strategic plan to bring exhibits to underserved areas.
On Oct. 13, the beloved Kirkwood landmark hosts its annual gala, The Magic Ball, which supports the Access for All initiative. This year, comedian, magician and St. Louis native Justin Willman will provide the evening’s entertainment, themed around the mystique of Friday the 13th. The Magic Ball takes place at Peabody Opera House and is presented by Edward Jones with major support from Emerson, Boeing, Monsanto, Paric and Scottrade Inc.
Pictured: The Magic House Imagination Playground
Photo Courtesy of The Magic House
The Magic Ball takes place Oct. 13 at Peabody Opera House. St. Louis native, comedian and magician Justin Willman will provide the evening’s entertainment. All funds raised support The Magic House’s Access for All initiative, which provides free or reduced admission, field trips, outreach programs and family nights for children in need. Pictured on the cover: representatives of the Friends Committee of The Magic House Brooke Meek, Alison Nadaud, Melissa Swank, Linda Hunter and Amy Zebala. For more information, call 314.288.2516.
Cover design by Allie Bronsky | Photo: Collin Miller of Strauss Peyton Photography
