2025 marks a decade of play for The DoSeum in San Antonio. The premier children's museum fosters a healthy sense of learning and discovery through hands-on experiences. Not just for kids, adults are also invited to take part in the fun through its annual Adult Nite festivities.

As the institution reflects on its decade of community impact, Newsletter Editor Nicholas sat down with The Doseum's CEO Daniel Menelly to talk past, present, and future.

Editor’s note: This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.

Future museum additions, exhibits, and plans can be found in our conversation with Daniel Menelley. | Photo by The DoSeum

Q: How do you want to impact San Antonio in the next 10 years as the city continues to grow?

A: I always say San Antonio is the best city to run a children's museum because this city loves kids, learning, and culture. I'm hoping in the next decade that we can grow in the right directions, engaging people who can really help drive our mission to reach the invisible learner.

We have to think systematically about removing barriers to participants, sometimes it's economic, sometimes it's geographical. So, we are always thinking dynamically about how can we make sure that every child who wants to come and play can come and play.

Q: Looking back,what do you want to stay the same for The DoSeum, what do you want to change or add?

A: I would have built more classroom environments and more laboratory spaces so that we could do more partnership with schools, teachers, educators, and caregivers. The thing I would love to hang on to is really the joy and wonder in children.

Looking ahead, I would like to have more outdoor space where kids could really discover the elements of nature through play. So, we're thinking of ideally a green space on the roof or perhaps a hydroponic microfarm where the kids could grow and eat vegetables. We're currently looking at different models.

Ribbon cutting ceremony for "Dream Tomorrow Today" | Photo by SATXtoday Team

Q: When you're not involved with The DoSeum, what do you do in your free time?

A: I read, gosh I read so much. I also have a close network of friends in different cities and we talk a lot about what we want for the [children's museum] sector as a whole. We talk about emerging models for learning.

I like to come in on the weekends as a guest, usually wearing a hoodie. It's actually really helpful cause you can learn from the guests.

Q: What can you share about your upcoming exhibit “Uniquely Us: Understanding Race And Building Unity?”

A: One of our partners, Wells Fargo, asked us to create an exhibit to open the conversation about how can people see each other's differences as a strength? That exhibit is really about building community and recognizing unity so people can feel comfortable around each other, and to be curious and confident about how to face the world — to feel that the world is including them and their unique perspective.

Q: Anything else you'd like to add?

A: We want to engage new voices, new faces, and new sets. We really love this community, and are proud of our relationship with San Antonio. And we're so glad they've stayed with us.

Be sure to check out The DoSeum's latest exhibit "Uniquely Us: Understanding Race and Building Unity" starting on Saturday, March 1 through Sunday, April 20.