The St. George Children's Museum launched the first phase of a new Space Science exhibit on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, offering families interactive lunar exploration experiences inspired by NASA's Artemis program. Located within the historic Dixie Academy building, the exhibit aims to foster curiosity and creativity through hands-on technology and immersive space environments.
Interactive Learning Experiences
The centerpiece of the new exhibit is an interactive Lunar Lander experience. Through this installation, children are able to pilot a spacecraft, respond to various unexpected challenges, and attempt to complete a Moon landing. To complement the landing experience, a nearby Mission Control area focuses on teaching teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Immersive Space Environment
To create an immersive space environment, the museum utilized ultraviolet-reactive artwork, fiber-optic lighting, and various interactive technologies. Executive Director Will Craven stated that space exploration represents some of the best values to teach children, specifically citing curiosity, creativity, perseverance, and the courage to attempt something extraordinary.
Thematic Exhibit Structure
The exhibit is organized around a three-part thematic structure: Reach, Explore, and Stay. This progression guides visitors through the specific challenges associated with traveling to the Moon, studying the lunar surface, and eventually learning how humans could live and work in space. While the current phase is now open, organizers noted that this is only the beginning of a larger plan.
Future STEM Additions
Future expansions for the Space Science exhibit are currently being planned. These anticipated additions are expected to include a lunar habitat, rover exploration activities, and additional STEM-based activities focused on the science and engineering required for long-term space travel. The new exhibit is included with regular museum admission.
A Historic Educational Venue
The museum occupies the historic Dixie Academy building at 86 South Main Street, a venue with a significant educational legacy. The building originally opened in 1911 as the St. George Stake Academy. The institution later added college-level courses, serving as a predecessor to both Dixie High School and the current Utah Tech University.
Decades of Community Use
The Dixie Academy building has undergone several transformations over the last century. After serving as a school, the facility was used as overflow space for Woodward Junior High and later functioned as the St. George Community Arts Center. The city of St. George purchased the property in 1979, and restoration efforts continued over several decades. The structure was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
Museum History and Transition
The Children's Museum has occupied the two lower floors of the building since 2013, officially opening to the public that November. According to Will Craven, the current project serves as an example of community collaboration around a shared idea.
