Children's Museum of Evansville

Imagine a place where the "do not touch" rule simply doesn't exist. The Children's Museum of Evansville (affectionately known as cMoe) is a vibrant interactive space located in the historic former library building in downtown Evansville, USA. This is not a museum in the traditional sense, but a massive playground for creativity and discovery spanning three floors and over 18,000 square feet.

The building itself is worth a look: constructed in the early 1930s in an exquisite Art Deco style, it is decorated with carved limestone bas-reliefs. Inside, however, lies a modern world of knowledge where children learn science, art, math, and culture through play. The museum's mission is to inspire young minds to explore using unusual tools and sensory experiences.

The museum's interior is filled with dynamic installations, ranging from massive water systems to art galleries. Every corner is designed to spark the imagination and encourage curiosity, making a family outing not just fun, but truly rewarding.

You can contact the museum administration or inquire about upcoming events using the contact details below. The official website provides up-to-date information on special exhibitions and birthday party bookings.

At this museum, every child will find something they love. Start your adventure by exploring the multi-level water installation, where you can experiment with currents and splashes, or head to the zone dedicated to the human body to learn how our senses work. For young engineers, there are areas where they can literally take things apart to see how they are made.

Art lovers should definitely check out the free expression gallery. Here, children can paint, create crafts, and participate in theatrical performances, developing their creative abilities. The museum regularly updates its programs, offering special sensory experiences and educational quests that turn learning into an exciting game.

Adults are more than just observers here—they are active participants. The space is designed for joint exploration, where parents can help children with their little discoveries. With a 4.4 rating based on hundreds of positive reviews, this place is rightfully considered a must-visit for families looking for inspiration and joy.

The Children's Museum is located in the heart of downtown at 22 SE 5th St, Evansville, IN 47708. Thanks to its central location, it is easily accessible from anywhere in the city. If you are traveling by car, several parking options typical for a central business district are available nearby.

For those who prefer public transport, Evansville has a well-developed bus network, and many stops are just a few minutes' walk from the museum entrance. If you are staying at one of the downtown hotels, a walk to the museum is a pleasant way to explore the historic neighborhoods.

Tourists arriving at Evansville Regional Airport (EVV) will only need about 10–15 minutes to reach the museum by taxi or rental car. Given the needs of families with small children, a taxi or rideshare is often the most convenient way to travel with strollers and extra gear.

The history of this wonderful place began in 1990, when the local Junior League of Evansville envisioned creating a "Hands On" space for learning through play. It started as a small exhibit in a shopping mall, which quickly captured the hearts of locals and proved the need for a full-scale museum for the younger generation.

By 2004, it was clear that the museum had outgrown its space—it had welcomed over 200,000 visitors and could no longer accommodate everyone. City authorities decided to grant the organization the magnificent building of the former Central Library. This monumental Art Deco structure, built in 1931–1932 according to the designs of the Walker and Weeks firm, is an architectural landmark in its own right and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

After a major renovation and successful fundraising campaign, the museum opened its doors in September 2006 under a new name—The Koch Family Children's Museum of Evansville (cMoe). Today, it continues to evolve, constantly updating its galleries and implementing modern educational technologies while remaining true to its mission of sparking curiosity in every child.

To give children enough time to play and explore all three floors of interactive zones, it is recommended to set aside at least 2–3 hours for your visit. This is usually enough time to see the main exhibits and participate in a couple of educational programs.

If your family likes to explore every exhibit thoughtfully or if you plan to visit temporary exhibitions, you could easily spend half a day here. Given how activity-packed the space is, it's best to plan your visit for the first half of the day when young explorers have the most energy.

When planning your visit, please take note of the museum's operating schedule. Monday is traditionally a day off, and on Sunday, the museum opens a bit later than usual.

Opening Hours:

• Monday: Closed
• Tuesday – Thursday: 09:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• Friday – Saturday: 09:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

A visit to the Children's Museum can easily be combined with other downtown attractions. A stroll through the historic quarters allows you to appreciate Indiana's architectural heritage and discover unique sites located just steps away.