GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY — The Curiosity Place opened two new interactive exhibits, MakerSpace and Art Studio, on Feb. 5, 2026, in Traverse City. The new spaces are designed to support creative exploration, problem-solving and self-expression for children and families.
The exhibits align with the mission of the Curiosity Place to provide engaging educational experiences through hands-on play. Both additions are now open to the public and are included with the price of general admission to the museum.
The MakerSpace is a limited-time pop-up exhibit that replaces the former Sock Skating Rink. It provides visitors with specialized tools to design and construct original cardboard creations while focusing on hands-on engineering concepts and open-ended learning.
The Art Studio is located in the space formerly occupied by the Playhouse. This exhibit offers a dedicated environment for artistic exploration where children and families are encouraged to draw, color and create through individual and collaborative engagement.
Tom Maynard serves as the director of operations for the Curiosity Place. He noted that the iterative design processes children follow while playing are the same ones used by professional engineers, builders and creators.
“These exhibits give kids a chance to create something for themselves,” Maynard said. “The problem solving, creative expression and iterative design processes they follow while playing are the same ones they will use as engineers, artists, builders and creators for the rest of their lives.”
The Curiosity Place is powered by the Great Lakes Children’s Museum, which is currently celebrating 25 years of operation in northern Michigan. The museum founded the facility to provide interactive and informal educational environments that invite exploration and celebrate childhood.The museum’s location inside the Grand Traverse Mall features both new and rotating exhibits. In addition to daily exploration, the facility hosts educational programs, camps, clubs and special events throughout the year.
The MakerSpace and Art Studio are currently open during regular museum hours. Memberships for the Curiosity Place are available and include unlimited visits and special discounts.