The Children’s Museum of Fond du Lac (CMFDL) celebrated the grand opening of its newest gallery, Light Wonders, on Tuesday, October 28. The $122,000 project was designed to spark creativity, provide comfort, and inspire discovery for children and families of all abilities.
More than 40 guests, including community partners, supporters, and families, attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Children from CMFDL’s Mini Monets class handed out hand-crafted thank you notes to sponsors and guests, while attendees enjoyed coffee, light breakfast, and a separate “Glow & Light” activity inspired by the pointillism art style. Glow wands and glow sticks were available for all guests to celebrate with, adding a playful glow to the morning event.
“Light Wonders truly reflects our vision of inclusion, imagination, and community connection,” said Andrea Welsch, CEO of CMFDL. “It is a place where every child, regardless of ability or background, can play, create, and grow together.”
The Light Wonders Gallery transforms an underutilized area of the museum into an immersive and inclusive space featuring three interactive zones:
Sensory Room: A multi-sensory environment with a marble panel, bubble tube, fiber optic curtain, sensory pod, and tools like weighted stuffed animals and ear muffs. The space supports sensory exploration, cognitive development, and self-regulation for neurodiverse and neurotypical visitors alike.
Litezilla Giant Lite Brite Wall: A 12-foot by 6-foot illuminated wall where children create colorful designs with light pegs that encourage fine motor skills, artistic expression, and collaboration.
Mind & Motion Exhibit: An interactive projection system that can be displayed on the wall or floor, encouraging movement, creativity, and social play that strengthens both gross motor and cognitive development.
“This project represents how far the museum has come and how deeply it has grown into its role in the community,” said Jeff Nuss, community leader and longtime supporter. “Back in 2013, when I was a board member, we were literally hauling used exhibit pieces from one building to the next. To see a project of this scale now come to life is truly transformational for the museum and for Fond du Lac.”
The new gallery supports CMFDL’s mission to connect children and families through hands-on educational experiences that inspire creativity, promote discovery, and strengthen community. The museum serves more than 50,000 visitors each year, with about one-third (16,500) visiting through access programs that serve low-income and high-need families.
“Light Wonders is more than an exhibit. It is a promise to our children that their curiosity and joy will always have a place to grow,” added Jeff Becker, CMFDL Board President.
By transforming this space into an immersive and inclusive play area, CMFDL continues to enhance the quality of life for children and families and support Fond du Lac County’s identity as a place where people live, work, and play.
Major sponsors supporting this project include: Alliant Energy Foundation; Rachel Ansay, BA, M.Ed; CD Smith; Fond du Lac Area Foundation (Society Insurance Charitable Fund); Marianne Geiger & Family; JF Ahern; Kiwanis Club of Fabulous Fond du Lac; Mary & Steve Millin; Andrea & Jeff Nuss; Dr. Mary & Chris Schultz; Twohig Flooring America; and Marlys & Dr. John Welsch.
About the Children’s Museum of Fond du Lac
The mission of the Children’s Museum of Fond du Lac (CMFDL) is to support child development utilizing innovative exhibits and programs that engage children, their caregivers, and the community in the partnership of learning through play. CMFDL connects children and families through hands-on educational experiences that inspire creativity, promote discovery, and strengthen community. Serving over 50,000 visitors each year, CMFDL provides inclusive, play-based learning that supports social, emotional, and cognitive development for children of all backgrounds. Visit www.cmfdl.org for more information.