Gilbert House Children’s Museum
The Gilbert House Children’s Museum in Salem, Oregon is a place where children may learn, play, and explore in a safe and instructive atmosphere. This museum has been a community institution for decades and is now a popular destination for families with young children.
The Gilbert House Children’s Museum is named after the early-20th-century Salem resident A.C. Gilbert, a renowned inventor, and toymaker. Gilbert is well-known for inventing the Erector Set, a popular building toy that served as a forerunner to LEGO bricks. In addition to being a toymaker, Gilbert was also a magician, athlete, and science and exploration enthusiast.
The museum is located in the exquisite Victorian-era mansion Rockenfield House, constructed in 1887. Its majestic building and lush gardens provide a stunning setting for the museum’s exhibitions and programming.
With an emphasis on hands-on learning and exploration, the museum’s displays are designed to engage and inspire children of all ages. The “Power Tower,” a four-story climbing tower that allows children to discover the science of energy and motion, is one of the most popular exhibitions. The tower is loaded with interactive exhibits and displays that teach children about electricity, magnets, gears, and other scientific ideas.
The “Discovery Village” is a miniature village that allows children to explore and play in a variety of situations, such as a grocery shop, bank, post office, and veterinary clinic. The village is intended to help children learn about the world and develop essential social skills, such as cooperation, sharing, and communication.
The museum offers a variety of educational activities and events throughout the year in addition to its exhibitions. These programs include hands-on workshops, science camps, story times, and special events such as “Kids Night Out,” when parents can drop off their children for a supervised evening of play and activities.
The Gilbert House Children’s Museum is distinguished in part by its commitment to accessibility and inclusion. The museum is committed to providing a welcome and secure environment for children of all backgrounds and abilities. The museum provides sensory-friendly exhibits and events for children with autism and other sensory processing disorders, as well as resources and support for families with children who have special needs.
In addition to being profoundly embedded in the Salem neighborhood, the museum collaborates closely with local schools and organizations to provide educational opportunities for children in the region. The museum conducts field trips and outreach programs to local schools and community centers, and its staff and volunteers are actively engaged in community activities and events.
Overall, the Gilbert House Children’s Museum is a treasured Salem institution and an excellent resource for families with small children. Its emphasis on hands-on learning, discovery, and inclusiveness make it a genuinely unique location, and its picturesque landscape and old architecture add to its appeal. Whether you’re a local or just traveling through, your family’s visit to the Gilbert House Children’s Museum is certain to be memorable and educational.