The Wake County Board of Commissioners has approved $4.7 million of funding to engage Barnhill Building Group, LLC, to carry out an expansion project at Marbles Kids Museum, adding new exhibit space and upgrades to the museum.
“The Marbles Kids Museum West Courtyard Enclosure and Expansion Project is an exciting step forward for the museum,” said Wake County Commissioner Susan Evans. “It will enhance the visitor experience and provide more space for learning and play. We look forward to seeing families enjoy the new spaces once construction is complete.”
The project will renovate and expand the museum along South Blount Street. On the ground floor, an existing courtyard will be enclosed to create Futuropolis, a 2,895-square-foot exhibit focused on career exploration in industries such as construction, transportation and manufacturing, all within a fun and futuristic city. Additional first-floor renovations will create a multipurpose classroom, increasing capacity for programs, field trips and camps.
The second floor will add 2,986 square feet, including a rooftop courtyard with a kid-size racetrack for play and hosting events. A new stairway will improve access between floors and connect existing museum spaces with the addition.
The expansion will also update the museum’s restrooms and add two new family restrooms near the addition. It will bring vibrant new public art to the Blount Street side of the museum, adding pops of bright color and creativity to the Marbles exterior.
“With this project, we’re building a bold new space where hands-on play opens doors to big possibilities,” said Marbles CEO Jonathan Frederick. “This transformative addition and the Futuropolis exhibit will redefine how kids imagine and explore their potential future careers.”
The total construction cost of the Marbles Kids Museum West Courtyard Enclosure and Expansion Project is $5,982,170. Wake County is contributing $2,934,650, which includes the original budgeted amount of $2,720,800 plus an additional $213,850 for project enhancements. Marbles Kids Museum is providing $3,047,520 for the construction project. An additional $2,431,000 will be contributed by Marbles toward exhibit and programming costs within the new addition. Marbles’ share of project expenses will be covered by funds raised through a successful 18-month capital campaign that concluded in fall 2025. Together, the County and Marbles funding will fully cover the project.
Construction on the project is expected to begin in February 2026 and take about 10 months to complete, with a winter grand opening to follow.
