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On Sept. 23, 2021, Chicago Children's Museum announced the kick-off of the building of its newest exhibit, MOEN Presents Water City. The MOEN Presents Water City exhibit will replace the well-loved Water Ways exhibit, which debuted when Chicago Children's Museum opened at Navy Pier more than 25 years ago. Moen's generous donation will match the grant awarded by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (ILDNR) to begin the construction of the exhibit, which will connect water play and STEM experiences for the next generation of young explorers and their families.
"Countless children and families from Chicagoland and around the world have fond memories of Water Ways," said Chicago Children's Museum President and CEO Jennifer Farrington. "While we have had great times with the Water Ways exhibit, we are excited to partner with Moen and ILDNR to engage children in playing and learning with water – one of the universal pursuits of childhood."
Cheri Phyfer, president of Fortune Brands Global Plumbing Group, added, "Since Moen's founding over 80 years ago, our purpose has been to find new ways for people to experience water, and those experiences aren't limited to the kitchen or bathroom. We're committed to making water experiences better in our communities and environment as well. Partnering with Children's Museum is a great way for us to help educate future generations about the importance of this essential natural resource."
The MOEN Presents Water City exhibit will be located in a 1,645 sq. ft. gallery on the museum's third floor, the former location of the Water Ways exhibit. The gallery is in the historic part of Navy Pier called the Head House, which is a 50 ft. tall tower that can be seen on the western elevation of the historic Navy Pier.
The current design of MOEN Presents Water City includes a central water feature with three legs radiating from the center to echo the three branches of the Chicago River. The exhibit will include elements that are uniquely Chicago, such as a lock/dam system, Lake Michigan, the Chicago River, and recognizable skyscrapers from Chicago's skyline.
"Moen is the right partner for the reinvention of the water exhibit," Farrington said. "We share a commitment to successful approaches to STEM learning experiences and believe in the unique potential of water play to inspire children to explore, observe, and nurture their innate curiosity. These are the basic elements of STEM and scientific inquiry."
MOEN Presents Water City is scheduled be completed in 2022.