Chicago Children's Museum

Relocation

In 2006, the museum announced plans to move to Daley Bicentennial Plaza in Grant Park, a project that would more than double its exhibition space. The proposal received strong support from Mayor Richard Daley but faced resistance from those concerned about encroachment on Grant Park's open space. The new facility was designed by Krueck and Sexton Architects, who also designed the Spertus Museum on Michigan Avenue. By early 2011, museum officials affirmed their commitment but reported no new developments; fundraising had lagged while costs rose to an estimated $150 million. Crain's Chicago Business cited unnamed park officials who said the museum would likely stay at its current location. The Chicago Park District awarded contracts for garage repairs under Daley Bicentennial Plaza. On October 25, 2011, the Park District unveiled a renovation plan for the northeast area of Grant Park that did not include the museum; the district's director of planning and development stated, "Well, they're not coming to Grant Park." In late 2012, the museum announced a new 90-year lease with Navy Pier, including an expansion of its presence by nearly 50 percent, from 57,000 to 84,000 square feet, with details expected in 2013.