Hands On Children's Museum

At Hands On Children’s Museum, outdoor play is in order, no matter the weather.

The Puget Sound Beach, with its challenging boulder, fun scampering logs, and majestic Megan D schooner, offers many opportunities for adventurous outdoor play.

Photos by HOCM, Alissa Rupp

OLYMPIA, WA

Collaborating with the design team at Miller | Hull Partnership, Alissa led the exhibit, way-finding, and graphic design team to create an immersive, educational experience at Hands On Children’s Museum. Since the museum opened in 2012, she and her team have continued to assist the staff as they redesigned their logo and signage, expanded and enriched their “Make Space” for STEM learning, and renovated the Puget Sound schooner Megan D for installation as a full-body engagement space in their outdoor exhibits. Most recently, the Bouldering Beach, designed and installed in honor of former employee Hannah Steinweg, was installed to challenge climbers of all ages

Location: Olympia, Washington

Size: 28,000 SF Museum, ½ Acre Exterior Exhibits

Prime Architect, main building: Miller | Hull Partnership

Landscape Architect, Exhibit Designer, and Architectural Consultant: FRAME (recent projects). The Portico Group (original indoor and outdoor exhibits)

Exhibit Fabricators: Turner Exhibits, Edge Concrete, HOCM Staff, El Dorado Climbing (boulder)

Completion Date: Recent projects: 2019-21. Original museum: 2012

Alissa’s Role: Architect, Exhibit Designer and Principal-in-Charge

Selected Awards and Citations: Noyce Foundation – Bright Lights Award, LEED Gold Certification, Green Globes Certification, IMLS Museums for America Award