If you have ever visited the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota and wondered what happens behind the scenes, you are not alone.

Our community often asks about the work that shapes the Museum beyond a day of play: How do we develop exhibits and programs? How does community support make a difference? What are we planning next? And how do we continue creating meaningful opportunities for children and families throughout southern Minnesota?

That is why we are launching Powered by Play: CEO Series, a bi-monthly series from me, Kim Kleven, President and CEO of the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota.

Through these updates, I will share a closer look at the people, planning, partnerships, and purpose behind CMSM. We will answer frequently asked questions, highlight projects and initiatives, celebrate community impact, and talk honestly about what is ahead for the Museum.

Why Powered by Play?

At CMSM, play is not an extra. It is how children explore, experiment, connect, and make sense of the world around them.

Every day, families see the joy that happens inside the Museum. Children build, imagine, create, splash, climb, test ideas, and discover something new. Behind those moments is a dedicated team of staff members, board members, donors, volunteers, community partners, and supporters working together to make those experiences possible.

This series is an opportunity to share more of that story with you.

What Makes CMSM Unique?

The Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota is built on a simple belief: children learn best through play.

Every exhibit, program, and experience is intentionally designed to encourage creativity, problem-solving, collaboration, curiosity, and discovery. The Museum is certainly a fun place for families to spend time together, but it is also an educational and community resource where children build skills that support them far beyond a single visit.

Our work also extends beyond the Museum’s walls. Through access initiatives, community partnerships, special programming, and the generosity of our supporters, we work to help more children and families experience the power of play.

That commitment matters because every child deserves opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive in an environment that welcomes curiosity.

What You Can Expect

In future editions of Powered by Play, I will share updates and insights on topics such as:

• Museum initiatives and behind-the-scenes projects
• Community partnerships and the people who make our work possible
• The role philanthropy plays in expanding access and opportunity
• Programs, exhibits, and experiences taking shape at CMSM
• The Museum’s priorities, challenges, and future vision

Thank you for being part of the CMSM community. Whether you visit, hold a membership, volunteer, donate, sponsor an event, partner with us, or share the Museum with others, you help power the experiences that make our mission possible.

I look forward to sharing more with you in the months ahead.

Kim Kleven
President & CEO

About Kim

Kim Kleven is the President and CEO of the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota. She is passionate about creating meaningful opportunities for children and families to learn, grow, and connect through the power of play.