The Mary Ann MacLean Play Museum - ISM Springfield

The Mary Ann MacLean Play Museum

The Mary Ann MacLean Play Museum

at the Illinois State Museum

• Load a Jeep for an expedition
• Crawl through a cave
• Excavate a Mastodont skeleton
• Frame works of art
• Play Museum!

The Mary Ann MacLean Play Museum is a new, hands-on children’s gallery in which children will learn what it is like to work at a museum through play. Children can choose from a variety of activities in the Play Museum--all designed for kids ages 3-10. From loading a jeep for a scientific expedition, to framing and displaying child-friendly art, to piecing together a baby Mastodont puzzle, to exploring amazing collections, children--and the adults who bring them--will learn about the worlds of nature and culture through play and learn to care about the world around them.  

The Play Museum is a free, fun, and unique educational resource for families and school groups.

Visitor Guide

• No food, beverages, gum or candy are allowed in the Play Museum.
• Please park your strollers outside the Play Museum.
• The Museum does not have food or eating facilities.
• All restrooms are accessible and include changing tables.
• Children must be accompanied by a caregiver over 16 years old.

Learn about other exhibitions currently at the Illinois State Museum, Springfield.