The SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention is announcing the launch of a $2 million Capital Campaign to support the expansion of the Museum through the creation of Wonderlab, a fully interactive gallery for youth and families. With $400,000 already pledged as a matching donation, SPARK is excited to tackle their most ambitious project yet with the community at the center of it.
Wonderlab will be an interactive gallery dedicated to hands on science experiences that complement the Museum’s world-class historical collection in their main galleries. A part of community since the early 2000s, SPARK has seen decades of growth and change as they have responded to community needs and desires and this project is the next major step. In addition to enhancing the current visitor experience, Wonderlab will address some critical needs our community faces. In particular, SPARK seeks to increase support for science education for local educators and students and create an enriching and affordable space for children and families to belong.
This multifaceted project will include the renovation of a 3,000 square foot space in the Museum to house Wonderlab, the design and installation of interactive exhibits, the installation of an elevator to ensure accessibility, and other capital improvements to their historic building to ensure sustainability and longevity. The completion of this project will help put Bellingham on the map as home to the largest interactive science center between Seattle and Vancouver, BC.
“With this campaign we directly invite our whole community to get involved in the future of the SPARK Museum,” says Abby Whatley, SPARK’s Director of Programs. “This space is being designed for this community, with significant opportunities for community contributions. It is exciting to launch the campaign with a $400,000 matching gift, which will greatly amplify additional donations of all sizes.”
2024 will hold a series of fundraising and awareness building events as the Museum works to engage the community, invite their feedback and involve them in the process of creating Wonderlab.
About SPARK Museum
SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention is a local non-profit that provides exciting and educational experience for all ages. Their historical and interactive exhibits span four centuries of scientific achievement with a world-class collection celebrating the inventions and innovations that make our modern world possible. The Museum is located at 1312 Bay St. in downtown Bellingham and is open to the Public Wednesday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information, visit www.sparkmuseum.org or call 360-738-3886.
