Explorations V Children’s Museum to close in transition to new Florida Children’s Museum 


Explorations V Children’s Museum is closing this summer, August 5, 2022. The closure allows the Museum time to move out while the building is under contract with Tampa-based firm, Gaspar Properties. The organization will re-open as Florida Children’s Museum in a new purpose-built facility at Bonnet Springs Park on November 4, 2022.

For many, the Kentucky Avenue building is a symbol of childhood. For this reason, Museum staff launched a new initiative called My Museum Memory. The effort aims to collect these tidbits of childhood from those who keep Explorations V in their hearts. At explorationsv.com/my-museum-memory, anyone can share their stories, whether recent or from years ago. With permission, the Museum will share these memories with the public, to honor the impact of Explorations V and the building itself. The My Museum Memory campaign will run through the end of 2022.


Outside of the Memory campaign, Explorations V is being honored in a few other ways. Pieces of the current Museum’s collection will be moved to the History Center in the Lakeland Library and put on display. The ever-popular firetruck and sheriff’s car exhibits are moving into Florida Children’s Museum, along with Rick Olivo’s Dragon of Toys sculpture. Olivo’s canvas murals will also be saved and put into storage for future use.

While the 30-year-old children’s museum pauses storefront operations during the transition, a Mobile Museum will launch. A van is being repurposed to bring hands-on learning experiences to children and families across Polk County. Look for Mobile Museum stops on the programs calendar at www.ExploreFCM.org.


Families can still purchase memberships to Florida Children’s Museum, as well. All active members will receive complimentary admission during the closure to Glazer Children’s Museum in Tampa, Florida, and the existing affiliate member benefits at local businesses. Active members get early access to Florida Children’s Museum starting October 30, 2022, while the general public can start visiting November 4, 2022.


Explorations V Children’s Museum will remain open during regular business hours through August 5. Monday through Saturday, 10am – 5pm and Sunday 10am – 3pm.

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