Children's Museum Has the Most Cheerful 'Renderings' Ever

Children's Museum of Atlanta has announced a massive $8.2 million redesign that will feature, among other snazzy upgrades, new hands-on exhibits, a 3,000-square-foot mezzanine, a two-story climbing structure and a new performance space. The renovations, represented by the most adorable/least precise "renderings" ever released, are so extensive the downtown attraction will need to close its doors from Aug. 1 through late 2015. It will be the museum's first major renovation since it opened 12 years ago.

In a press release, Jane Turner, executive director of the Children's Museum of Atlanta, said that when it reopens, "It truly will be a world-class children's museum unlike any other." Other features of the renovation include reimagined versions of four existing galleries as well as a music and art room and a complete refresh of the museum floor.

According to officials, the "Gateway to the World" exhibit will allow kids to climb through the layers of the earth to operate a child-powered, rotating globe. A "Tools for Solutions" environment aims to inspire future architects with a new construction house designed to teach kids what is behind the walls of structures. The "Fundamentally Food" section will help children understand where their food comes from... beyond Kroger. A new "Maker Space" will encourage creativity and create future Makers Faire exhibitors. Finally, the "Step Up To Science" area, on the new mezzanine level, will make science, technology, engineering and math exciting to the little ones.

The museum is beta testing some new science programming, soliciting feedback and answering questions about the science and technology section during a special June 2 event at 10:30 a.m.

· Children's Museum of Atlanta [website]