The Muse Knxoville is raising money to expand the children’s museum to the Jacob Building
Since the 1970s, the children's STEM museum has occupied a landlocked 10,000 sqaure foot builing.
This past year, The Muse Knoxville served nearly 140,000 children and caregivers, from all 50 states, over 1,800 U.S. ZIP codes, and 12 different countries. And all of this visitation is happening inside a 10,000-square-foot landlocked facility.
Discussions of expansion have been happening for years, and thanks to strong donor support, that “north star” seems to be within reach.
On Monday, Muse Knoxville announced a possible new lease agreement with the City of Knoxville that would increase their space and impact fivefold.
The proposed plan would allow the children’s STEM museum to expand into the historic Jacob Building at Chilhowee Park and increase space from 10,000 square feet to nearly 57,000 square feet.
The need for an expansion was most recently discussed at The Muse Knoxville luncheon in early April, which was hosted for the first time inside the historic Jacob Building. At that time, plans to move into the Jacob Building had not been brought to light.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a world-class, all-ages science museum right here in Knoxville – one that is hands-on, play-based, and designed with our community’s voice at the center,” said Allison Comer, the President & CEO of Muse Knoxville. “We are deeply grateful to the City, to our supporters, and to every single community member who has made this vision possible. This is truly Knoxville’s museum, and we can’t wait to build it together.”
Currently, the Jacob Building often sits unutilized. Most Knoxvillians would recognize the large role the building plays while the Tennessee Valley Fair comes to Chilhowee Park for two weeks in the fall. But additionally, the space has been utilized for annual Remote Area Medical (RAM) Clinics, volunteer events, niche conventions and festivals, and occasional emergency shelter situations.
Expanding The Muse Knoxville into the space would give the Jacob Building a more consistent brand. However, the plan is contingent on approval of the Knoxville City Council. So far, it’s looking like it could be approved.
“This is a win-win for the city, and we are excited to know that the often under-utilized Jacob Building will now host thousands of families each year at a top-notch science museum,” said Mayor Indya Kincannon. “This project is also a wonderful addition to the City’s redevelopment plans along the Magnolia corridor. I’ll say it again: it’s East Knoxville’s time!”
The design plan for The Muse Knoxville is based on years of student and community feedback. The expanded museum would feature immersive exhibit zones that spark curiosity across a wide range of hands-on subjects – from robotics to energy, transportation, engineering, and many more.
Commitments to the Jacob Building must be honored through fall 2026. If all goes as planned, The Muse Knoxville hopes to open its space in the Jacob Building by summer 2028.
“Thank you to the City for finding a solution to our capacity needs,” said Comer. “I also want to express deep gratitude to all of our donors, including a generous initial gift from the Boyd Foundation and a transformational $25 million gift from the Clayton Family Foundation. I can’t wait to see this new museum become a reality.”
Learn more about The Muse Knoxville.
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