1. What is inspireU?
inspireU will be a hands-on children’s discovery center with a variety of interactive exhibits designed to spark high-quality, imaginative play. Our goal is to provide a space for families to play and learn together. inspireU will also help visitors learn about the ingredients to make a healthy child, healthy family, and healthy community. Our exhibits and programs will highlight our five areas of health focus: movement, nutrition, connectedness, mindfulness, and curiosity. The museum will be rooted in our local community with many nods to St. Joseph and our surrounding area. You can see some of the exhibit designs here.
2. What ages can come to inspireU?
inspireU is designed to appeal to children from birth to 10 years old and their families. Field trips will be for students from preschool to 5th grade.
3. What will the exhibits be like?
inspireU will have over 35,000 sq feet of exhibits. It will include a two-story climber, infant and toddler area, a townscape with an engineering space, hospital, theater, grocery store, farmer’s market, and more, a water table based on the Missouri River, and a rooftop with a climber and spaces to relax and enjoy our view of the Missouri River. Make sure to look for our St. Joseph specific exhibits and sponsors throughout the discovery center! You can see a preview of the exhibits here.
4. How long will it take to go through inspireU?
This will vary greatly depending on your group, but you can plan for an average visit to be between 90 minutes and 2 hours.
5. Will InspireU be accessible?
Yes! Exhibits are accessible to those of various abilities, as are all our restrooms, program areas, and party rooms. InspireU also has accommodations for children with sensory challenges; including quiet rooms on every exhibit floor that provide a space to relax and find calm. The Welcome Center will have items for families to check out during your visit. This includes noise cancelling headphones and sensory packs with other items to help protect the senses from being overstimulated.
6. When is inspireU going to open?
Our goal is to open in mid-December, just in time for winter break.
7. How much will admission cost?
We anticipate that admission per person will be between $10-$12. As part of the Museums for All initiative, qualifying families will have admission fees of $2-$3 per person. Check back closer to opening date for the final decision.
8. Will you sell memberships?
Yes! Memberships will go on sale before inspireU opens, sometime in mid to late fall. We plan on holding at least one preview event just for members.
9. Will I be able to purchase a membership and/or admission tickets as a gift?
Yes! Look for details to appear on our website this fall.
10. How do I apply for a position at inspireU? When will you be hiring?
Staff members will be employees of Mosaic Life Care. Once positions are open, candidates can apply through the Mosaic Careers page. We expect to start the first round in early-mid summer and the second round in late summer to early fall.
11. Will I be able to get a preview of inspireU before it opens?
Yes, if you are a member! We plan to have at least one preview event for families who purchased memberships early. If your company or group is interested in sponsoring a program, exhibit, or space and would like a building tour, contact us at: info@mlcfoundation.com
12. Can I volunteer at inspireU?
Yes! Volunteers will apply through the Mosaic Life Care volunteer program. Volunteer jobs will include things like staffing the Welcome Center and help desk, assisting with programming, and exhibit reset. Check back late summer for more details.
13. How can I make sure to stay informed about everything inspireU?
The best way is to follow us on Facebook or Instagram. You can also keep checking back on our website!