Miami Children’s Museum (MCM) on Wednesday evening, May 24, hosted a reception to honor donors who have contributed to the success of its growth and special programs that make it such a valuable asset to the South Florida community.
Museum chair Jeff Berkowitz recognized those whose contributions were instrumental in the recent renovations of its permanent exhibit galleries as well as announced several gifts that were recently pledged to continue MCM’s capital campaign.
New contributions to the campaign included $300,000 from the Kirk Foundation to renovate the art gallery, $150,000 from the Sol Taplin Charitable Foundation for the museum’s entry walkway and $125,000 from Jackson Health System to sponsor the emergency medical vehicle in the Safety Zone Exhibit.
Others recognized for their support of museum programs and special events across this year with a significant contribution were: Motorola Solutions Foundation, The Children’s Trust, The Miami Foundation, Marlins Foundation, The Abraham Family Foundation, The Berkowitz Family, Bilzin Sumberg, BMO Private Banking, Northern Trust, Stearns Miller Weaver, The Russell & Ronalee Galbut Family Foundation and Melissa and Robert Netkin.
“All of the museum’s accomplishments would not be possible without the support of our guests, board, donors, volunteers and staff,” Berkowitz said. “We look forward to working together in the coming year to find new ways to expand our partnerships and programs in order to continue to grow the number of children we serve in the Museum and in the community.”
Berkowitz highlighted some of the major achievements that the museum has accomplished over the year. Miami Children’s Museum saw the renovation of the Publix Super Market, Bank of America and Baptist Children’s Hospital Health and Wellness exhibit galleries.
The museum also opened the brand new Music Makers Studio, created in collaboration with world-renowned artist Remo Saraceni, inventor of the big piano in the movie BIG, along with the assistance of the New World Symphony. The museum now has the longest musical staircase in the world with each step to the second floor having a different musical note.
The Music Makers Studio was made possible by an anonymous family foundation and the Institute of Museum and Library Services (Grant # MA-10-16-0213-16).
Additionally he was excited to announce that MCM has entered into a partnership with Disney to create a new traveling exhibit based on Disney Junior’s hit series The Lion Guard. The exhibit will open and be hosted at MCM beginning in January 2018 and will travel to other children’s museums starting in fall 2018.
“MCM is more than just a museum,” Berkowitz said. “The Museum has welcomed nearly 5 million visitors since it opened on Watson Island in 2003 and continues to provide children in our community with the school readiness and life skills they need for a successful future”.
Founded in 1983, Miami Children’s Museum is dedicated to enriching the lives of all children by fostering a love of learning and enabling children to realize their highest potential. Visitors of all ages are encouraged to play together, learn, imagine and create. The 56,500-square-foot facility includes 14 galleries, classrooms, parent/teacher resource center, 200-seat auditorium and outdoor exhibits, including a new playground.
To learn more about the museum, visit www.miamichildrensmuseum.org.
