Imagination Station Announces Temporary Closure

for New Exhibits and Facility Enhancements

 

WILSON, N.C. – Imagination Station will temporarily close to the public beginning September 1, 2026, as the museum undertakes critical facility enhancements, develops new exhibits, and enhances visitor safety as part of its transformation into a Children's Museum and Science Center Pilot.

The closure marks the beginning of a significant investment in the museum's future and its mission to provide hands-on educational experiences that inspire curiosity, creativity, and lifelong learning among children and families throughout Wilson and Eastern North Carolina.

"Imagination Station is embarking on an exciting transformation, beginning with critical improvements to our 99-year-old building," said Joseph Knight, Executive Director. "Although our facility underwent extensive renovations following a devastating fire in the early 2000s, decades of serving visitors have resulted in a range of facility maintenance needs that are essential to the museum's future growth. Issues such as deteriorating plaster, chipped paint, recurring water leaks, and dim exhibit spaces have affected the overall appearance of the museum and visitor experience. The good news is that our building remains structurally sound and full of possibilities. We are thrilled to reimagine the space as a brighter, safer, and more engaging place for children and families to explore, learn, and discover together.”

In addition to facility improvements, the museum will begin construction on several new exhibits throughout the first and second floors of the building.

"With the generous support of the Healthcare Foundation of Wilson, philanthropic partners, and members of the local business community, Imagination Station is entering an exciting new era of growth," Knight said. "Earlier this year, we introduced our Sun, Earth, and Universe traveling exhibit, and the response has been outstanding. As we continue developing new exhibits throughout the museum, visitors can expect fresh opportunities to explore, discover, and be inspired every time they walk through our doors."

In addition to facility improvements and new exhibit construction, Imagination Station will conduct a comprehensive deep cleaning and sanitization of the entire facility, including exhibits, animal habitats, offices, restrooms, and storage areas. According to Knight, "Creating a clean, organized, and welcoming environment is a critical part of our evolution into a premier Children's Museum and Science Center. We are fully committed to providing families with a safe, engaging, and well-maintained space where learning and discovery can thrive."

In August, the museum undertook a major cleanup of its basement, removing nearly 2,000 square feet of clutter and unused materials to make way for the development of new exhibits and educational experiences. The effort represents an important first step in preparing underutilized space for future expansion and reflects the museum's ongoing commitment to creating a more functional, organized, and visitor-focused facility.

The museum is also implementing a number of enhancements designed to improve the safety and security of all visitors.

"As we continue our transformation into a Children's Museum and Science Center, the safety and comfort of our visitors remain our highest priorities," Knight said. " In the months ahead, we will implement a range of safety and security enhancements, including a new surveillance camera system, updated life safety systems, secure entry and exit door controls, and redesigned pathways that will improve the visitor experience throughout the museum. Our goal is to provide families with peace of mind, knowing that their museum experience is not only engaging and educational, but also safe and secure."

Imagination Station is scheduled to reopen in early October 2026 following the completion of major facility improvements. Exhibit installations and enhancements will continue in phases throughout the fall, culminating in the relaunch of Imagination Station as the Children's Museum and Science Center Pilot in February 2027. The pilot initiative will serve as the first phase of a broader transformation designed to establish a premier children's museum and science center for the children and families of Wilson and Eastern North Carolina.

During the closure, museum offices will remain open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The museum will continue accepting reservations for field trips, outreach programs, and birthday parties, and both on-site and off-site educational programs will continue as scheduled. All active memberships will automatically be extended by 30 days.

Community members are encouraged to follow Imagination Station on Facebook and Instagram for renovation updates, behind-the-scenes looks at new exhibits, and announcements regarding the museum's reopening and future programming.

The museum continues to seek financial and in-kind support to advance exhibit development, facility improvements, and its transformation into a premier Children's Museum and Science Center. Community members, businesses, and organizations interested in supporting the museum through contributions of time, talent, or treasure are encouraged to contact the museum directly and become part of its exciting transformation.

For more information about Imagination Station's transformation into a Children's Museum and Science Center Pilot, upcoming developments, or opportunities to support this community initiative, visit www.imaginescience.org or contact Joseph C. Knight, Executive Director, at (252) 291-5113.

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Joseph C. Knight
Executive Director