our vision
Our vision is of a flourishing, interconnected Rochester community, prioritizing children’s well-being, fostering family engagement in learning and play, and empowering every child to shape their own future, thereby nurturing a legacy of prosperity and unity for generations ahead.
our mission
Our mission is to enrich the lives of young learners by creating shared, interactive experiences that engage people of all ages in the joy of play, the power of learning, and a sense of community.
our space
SPARK is located in a nearly 10,000-square-foot space inside the Apache Mall. We have our own entrance on the south side of the Mall with an abundance of parking. Inside you will find a flow of exploration from one exhibit to another, rooms meant for intentional programming, and an ever changing schedule of programs to grow and learn from.
our history
SPARK, DBA (Doing Business As) the Children’s Museum of Rochester, Inc., is a non-profit 501(c)(3) serving families throughout Minnesota, the nation, and internationally.
2006
a group of Rochester parents recognized the importance of informal early learning and the demand for it in Rochester.
2007
the Children’s Museum of Rochester (CMR) officially formed as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, non-profit organization to research and plan for the creation of a children’s museum that benefits children, parents, employers, and our community.
2008
a comprehensive study was completed by the Augsburg College MBA program, testing support for a children’s museum in Rochester. A business plan was created to build support, and the CMR Board hired a national development firm to conduct a campaign feasibility study. The cost for this study was all funded by the Board and their families, demonstrating the passion behind a children’s museum.
2009
the Board looked for potential sites and hosted fundraisers and community awareness campaigns.
2010
CMR began formal discussions by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Minnesota Children’s Museum to explore a satellite location in Rochester. In September, CMR partnered with MCM to conduct an operational assessment including a project business plan, timeline, and proposed structure for a satellite museum. The results of the 2010 assessment study provided evidence of support for a Rochester satellite children’s museum. CMR and MCM signed an MOU to formalize the partnership and CMR dissolved its non-profit and converted assets to MCM and officially changed its name to Minnesota Children’s Museum – Rochester (MCMR).
2012
MCMR hired its first director for Rochester and began renovation on a new site. On April 5, MCMR opened its doors for business. In that year, MCMR formalized community partnerships with other non-profits totaling 29 partners.
2013
37,000 visitors came through MCMR’s doors and 843 memberships were sold, smashing the goal of 400. From there, MCMR continued to host fundraisers and write for state funding, and promoted exhibits like Curious George and events like Movies Under the Stars, Super Hero Scramble, Birthday Carnival, Great Snowball, and Jumbo Jenga. MCMR also began conducting another market analysis and toured museums across the country in anticipation of growth.
2017
MCMR created three pillars of focus for a new museum: Innovation, Global & Cultural Competency, and a Healthy & Actively Engaged Community.
2018
MCMR and MCM met to discuss formally splitting MCMR from MCM. MCMR conducted strategic planning and brand identity development and created a roadmap for a potential future capital campaign launch.
2019
the museum filed as a new, independent 501(c)(3) separate from MCM. The new name was The Children’s Museum of Rochester, Inc. with dba SPARK. SPARK signed a lease with the Apache Mall/Brookfield Properties for space. A public capital campaign kicked off at the end of the year.
2020
SPARK began building a nearly 10,000-square-foot space at Apache Mall in February. COVID-19 entered our lives and changed operations forever. Despite the pandemic, construction continued as allowed by CDC and state guidelines. On August 5, SPARK opened its doors but that was short lived. From November 27 through January 19, 2021, SPARK was required to close down due to the pandemic.
2021
SPARK had record-setting attendance and membership sales month after month despite the pandemic and limitations. They continued to design and install new exhibits. As the museum continued to grow, SPARK added a full-time marketing and communications coordinator. A fundraiser was hosted to raise money for “Play for All” programming which is free or reduced admission to traditionally marginalized families. SPARK continued to host family-focused programming.
2022
SPARK’s latest exhibit, a smart city, is complete, offering a gamification component and eight exhibits in one, and implemented 750+ programs with community partners. The museum has a focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM), Cultural Connectedness, and Health and Well-being.
2023
memberships and admission continue to increase and conversations centered on expansion are frequent. A sub-committee is exploring partnerships with HCOC, along with other entities including DMC and Apache Mall/Brookfield Properties regarding expansion.
SPARK was awarded an exhibit from ACM’s Freeman Foundation, part of the Asian Culture Exhibit Series. SPARK also received a grant from Legacy Funds and is using this to build an arts and culture exhibit in the Lil Sparks area for children 4 and under.
Our Executive Director
Heather Nessler joined SPARK as the Executive Director in April 2022.
