After years of taking my kids to the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh, on our last visit, my 11-year-old moved through the rooms faster than she ever had before. My heart sank a little bit, as the Children's Museum has hands down always been her favorite place to go. Was it because we've been here dozens of times? That couldn't be it, because the exhibits are constantly changing. Maybe it was because she didn't want to seem interested in the same things as her 7-year-old brother? I'm not sure what it was, but either way, it prompted us to visit the neighboring MuseumLab which is specifically designed for kids ages 10 and older. It was our first time there and once we were there, I couldn't believe it took us so long to check it out!
We started by coming in the basement side entrance because we had a stroller and that's the only accessible way in/out. Once we made it upstairs to the main floor, the kids got excited as they peeked into Grable Gallery. At the center of Grable Gallery, there were whimsical, spinning, rotating chairs that the kids just gravitated to. They rocked side to side, pushing their limits while hoping they didn't tip over. Exhibits included a piano with Mister Rogers Music pages and easy-to-follow key guides, exploratory building areas and more.
 Learning to play Mr. Rogers music on the piano |
 Mesmorized! |
From there, they spotted MuseumLab's newest exhibit, Chroma Maze, and put their name on the list to go in. But let's be honest, they didn't first see Chroma Maze from inside MuseumLab, they saw it flowing and bouncing in the window from the Children's Museum which is one of the things that prompted us over!
 Chroma Maze is a shoes-off, socks-on inflatable experience where kiddos can bounce, soar, or lay back to enjoy the light filtering through the colorful mosaic-like ceiling. For the safety and enjoyment of all, admission is timed and limited if needed. |
While the kids were patiently waiting to enter Chroma Maze, we explored the TechLab and MakeLab, which are the tween/teen versions of their counterparts next door. The possibilities here are truly endless!
Before we left, the kids went on a tour of the entire MuseumLab to learn the history and ended their day climbing the three-story sculpture, gymlacium.
 Gymlacium in The Stacks is an interactive, climbing installation by Manca Ahlin where kids can explore the old stack room of the former Carnegie Free Library of Allegheny, |
In conclusion, I can't believe it's taken us this long to explore MuseumLab. It is the perfect transition for my older kids, but also had enough to engage my toddler and grade-schooler.
MuseumLab is only open to the public on Saturdays & Sundays, and occasionally select holidays when kids might be out of school (we lucked out and went on President's Day). Middle school students in Pittsburgh can sign up for After School at MuseumLab, a free program for students who are enthusiastic about learning new arts and making techniques. Learn more about MuseumLab at museumlab.org.
Have you been to Pittsburgh's MuseumLab? Any tips you think we should add? Let us know HERE or email Emily at emilyp@macaronikid.com, and we'll check them out!
Headed to the Children's Museum? Check out 10 Things to Know before you go to the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh HERE.
