The 7,000-square-foot law enforcement-themed addition to the museum is the first expansion of the facility since it opened in Decatur, Illinois in 1995.
With views of Lake Decatur as a backdrop, Heroes Hall features exhibits that represent branches of local first responders, including police, the fire department, Decatur Park Police and the Macon County Sheriff's Office.
Heroes Hall was funded by a $3 million grant from The Howard G. Buffett Foundation.
- Stations where children can try on equipment worn in the field
- Forensic science lab
- Play areas that encourage sharp observation skills
Amber Kaylor, Executive Director, Children's Museum of Illinois
• Bright, playful colors that encourage children to engage and interact with the exhibits.
• Large windows provide natural light throughout the exhibit as well as views of Lake Decatur.
• An actual Macon County Sheriff's helicopter stationed outside of the museum that visitors can step inside and explore.
The Community Education Center at Heartland Community College is a 36,000 s.f. multi-purpose auditorium building. The facility includes a 434-seat auditorium that accommodates speech, choral, and musical presentations. Reconfigurable breakout spaces provide numerous possibilities for various size meetings. The facility also houses the Challenger Learning Center, an exploratory, space themed, learning program for children of all ages.
The facility is designed to house the County’s Engineering Department and Highway Department under one structure. It interconnects four major functions: the Engineering Department’s offices and public meeting room, the Highway Department’s crew areas - including locker rooms and a break room, the Highway Department’s enclosed vehicle storage, and a vehicle maintenance area to serve the County’s fleet.
The Kidzeum of Health and Science is a three-story, 25,000 sf facility located in the nationally registered, historic buildings at 412, 414 and 416 East Adams Street in the Illinois capitol, Springfield. The Kidzeum of Health and Science is designed with a focus on fun and learning and is dedicated to teaching children of all abilities about health and science through discovery and play.