According to Archpaper, at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum, children immerse themselves in imaginative play within miniature storefronts and a bird nest–inspired playscape. Soon, the museum will extend its interactive offerings outdoors with a planned garden, designed by Gans and Company, that will add 20,000 square feet of accessible, programmable space to the museum’s campus.
This week marked the groundbreaking of the first phase of the Brooklyn Children’s Museum’s Earth Science Garden, an outdoor exhibit where young visitors will explore and learn about the geological makeup of the earth beneath their feet.
To create this new green space, a greenhouse and several trees will be removed from the site. The project’s initial focus is on replacing a deteriorating retaining wall, built in the 1970s, located on the south and east ends of the museum’s campus. This renovation will also open up access to a section of adjacent Brower Park.
The hillside, characterized by an 18-foot drop largely shaped by the retaining wall, will be covered with native plantings, including meadow and riparian grasses and pine. According to the Department of Design and Construction, the new landscape will feature 20 plant species, 41 trees, and over 800 shrubs.
In addition to the lush plantings, the outdoor space will be enhanced by stone pathways, steps, and colored, striated concrete, all inspired by the region’s geology. An accessible ramp with a paved surface and railing will offer an alternative to the stone steps, winding its way up the slope. The design also incorporates a drainage system and stormwater management, with lighting around the site to accommodate evening events.
The Brooklyn Children’s Museum envisions this new outdoor space as a communal gathering spot for patrons, providing a place for relaxation as well as a venue for the museum’s programs. It aligns with the museum’s mission to “ignite curiosity, celebrate identity, and cultivate joyful learning.”
The project is backed by over USD 15 million in city funding from the Mayor’s office, City Council, and the Brooklyn Borough President’s office. Construction is already underway, with completion expected by winter 2025.