A long-awaited transformation at Muse Knoxville is beginning to take shape, offering Knoxvillians an early look at what the museum will become by 2028.

The children’s science museum is set to expand into the historic Jacob Building in Chilhowee Park, thanks to a landmark lease agreement with the City of Knoxville and a $25 million gift from the Clayton Family Foundation.

The move will grow Muse Knoxville’s footprint from 10,000 sqft to 57,000 sqft, but this project is about more than just extra room. The expansion will allow the museum to:

Reach a broader audience, including tweens, teens, and adults
Expand camps and educational programming
Welcome up to four times as many school field trips and homeschool learners

Guests will learn about Tennessee waterways + energy in this immersive exhibit. | Design provided by Luci Creative + Muse Knoxville

Shaped by student and community feedback, new designs from Luci Creative offer a glimpse at what visitors can expect. In recent months, Muse’s leadership team has also partnered with community and business leaders to help bring the exhibit concepts to life.

The concept design exhibit zones include:

An energy and Tennessee waterways space, featuring an interactive water table
A transportation, sky, and space zone with a rocket, train, and hands-on control room
A reimagined entry area featuring a Knoxville Innovation climber for active play

Play-based learning meets intergalactic awe in the transportation, sky, and space zone. | Design by Luci Creative + Muse Knoxville

In the coming weeks, the Muse team will move into schematic design for the exhibits. Stay tuned — we’ll keep you posted.