Muse Knoxville turned its 13th annual Muse For All Luncheon on April 7 into a full reveal of the children’s museum’s next era, using the event to debut the first conceptual exhibit renderings for a major expansion into the historic Jacob Building and to spotlight donors and community partners. The biggest moment came with a standing ovation for Jim Clayton after his transformational $25 million pledge, as Muse leaders walked a room of museum staff, elected officials, and local funders through plans for a larger, more accessible science museum in Chilhowee Park.
The luncheon, presented by First Horizon Foundation and the Tennessee Valley Authority, featured remarks from Allison Comer, Muse’s president and CEO, board chair-elect John Billings, vice president of advancement Katie Mixon, and Heetesh Patel of the Siddiqi Charitable Foundation, with Tearsa Smith serving as emcee. Core Value awards went to One Knox SC (Power of Play), Derrick Freeman (Lifelong Learner), John Billings (Community Connector), and the Siddiqi Charitable Foundation (Muse For All). Organizers said all proceeds from the luncheon support the Muse For All fund, which helps underwrite exhibits, hands-on programs, and community outreach, as reported by The Knoxville Focus.
Big Gift, Bigger Plans
Muse leaders paused the program to honor Jim Clayton and the Clayton Family Foundation for the $25 million gift that will seed the capital campaign and support the museum’s move into the Jacob Building. The donation is being treated as the cornerstone of the project and is expected to fuel an expansion of the museum’s footprint and programming, with officials pointing to a target opening in summer 2028. WUOT reported that the museum has also begun fundraising to close the remaining gap in the capital campaign.
What The Designs Show
The first set of conceptual renderings, created with design partner Luci Creative, sketch out exhibit zones focused on energy and Tennessee waterways, a transportation, sky and space gallery complete with a rocket and a train, and an active Knoxville Innovation climber. The visuals are intended to show how the nearly 57,000 square foot Jacob Building could host expanded camps, additional field trips, and more interactive, intergenerational learning opportunities, as detailed by 865Today.
Why It Matters
Muse leadership is framing the Jacob Building expansion as an equity move aimed at broadening access to STEAM learning. The Muse For All fund is designed to keep admission and school visits affordable while helping sustain daily operations. The push comes after years of heavy demand at the current facility, with outreach and attendance growing significantly as the organization prepares for a larger, more program-rich home, according to Muse Knoxville…