The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is hosting its “biggest celebration yet,” honoring 100 years of inspiring children and families.
Presented by Purdue University, the Second Century Soiree doubles as a fundraising opportunity to introduce major new exhibits and an expanded community outreach program while simultaneously launching the Children’s Museum’s “next century of impact,” according to a press release. The one-night-only museum-wide celebration is set for Aug. 22 and features special guests, live entertainment and cultural performances, immersive experiences and themed cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and surprises around every corner.
“As we commemorate 100 years of sparking memories, wonders, and dreams, the Second Century Soiree marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter into our next 100,” Jennifer Pace Robinson, president and CEO of the Children’s Museum, said in a statement. “We look forward to a special and unforgettable evening that reflects the museum’s mission to ignite joy, wonder and curiosity. Your support empowers us to continue inspiring generations to come at The Children’s Museum.”
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The Second Century Soiree is a black-tie, adults-only celebration, offering guests a chance to dress up, let loose and relive the joy and curiosity of childhood with a grown-up twist,” according to a press release.
All museum exhibits will be open for guests to explore, with “something extraordinary” around every corner — such as a fashion show in Take Me There: Peru, to a silent disco in Dinosphere. Guests will also get to take a late-night ride on the Centennial Ferris Wheel.
Guests will also hear from a panel of esteemed national partners, including Civil Rights icon Ruby Bridges, Ryan White’s mother and AIDS activist Jeanne White Ginder and learn from visiting artists Deonna Craig, Kyng Rhodes and Israel Solomon; scientists and astronaut Kjell Lindgren. There will be opportunities to get an insider’s look at the tech powering the Children’s Museum’s mission, from 3D fossil scanning to VR-designed exhibitions and a sneak peek at how their most iconic galleries are being reimagined, according to a press release.
The evening comes to a close with Rex and Indy’s professional sports team’s mascots escorting guests outside to view a drone show.
The Second Centry Soiree takes place at 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 22 at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, 3000 N. Meridian St. General admission tickets are $300, and proceeds go toward supporting future projects that “embolden the museum’s mission to serve children and families in meaningful, transformative ways.”
For more information, visit childrensmuseum.org.
Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on X @chloe_mcgowanxx.
Chloe McGowan is the Arts & Culture Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Columbus, OH, Chloe has a bachelor's in journalism from The Ohio State University. She is a former IndyStar Pulliam Fellow, and has previously worked for Indy Maven, The Lantern, and CityScene Media Group. In her free time, Chloe enjoys live theatre, reading, baking and keeping her plants alive.
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