Orpheum Children's Science Museum | Champaign Urbana

The Orpheum Children’s Science Museum, once a beloved educational and interactive destination in Champaign, Illinois, permanently closed in 2020. Its closure was largely due to financial difficulties intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic, ending 26 years of community service and learning.

History and Building

Historic Venue: The museum was housed in the Orpheum Theatre, a historic 1914 vaudeville and movie theater designed by the renowned architectural firm Rapp & Rapp. The theater’s classical design and cultural significance added character and charm to the museum experience.

City Ownership: The City of Champaign acquired the building in 1990. Community efforts focused on preservation and adaptive reuse led to the transformation of the Orpheum Theatre into the Orpheum Children’s Science Museum, which officially opened its doors in 1994.

Museum Mission and Focus

The museum’s core mission was to inspire curiosity and learning in children by providing hands-on science experiences. It emphasized STEM education—science, technology, engineering, and math—through engaging and interactive exhibits.

It served as a resource for local families, schools, and visitors to explore scientific concepts in a fun, accessible way.

Exhibits and Features (Before Closure)

Interactive Science Exhibits: The museum featured numerous hands-on exhibits designed to engage kids of all ages. These included:

A Water Flume demonstrating fluid dynamics and water flow.

A Vet Clinic play area where children could role-play animal care and veterinary science.

The Dino Dig, where kids could excavate and learn about paleontology.

A giant Bubble Station for exploring surface tension and physics of bubbles.

An Archaeology Field Station for digging and uncovering artifacts.

Live Animal Exhibits: The museum housed live animals like snakes, tarantulas, turtles, and bearded dragons, providing educational insights into biology and ecosystems.

Outdoor Features: The Butterfly Garden and playhouse, open seasonally, allowed visitors to experience nature firsthand and learn about insects and habitats.

Educational Programs: The museum offered workshops, classes, summer camps, and special events tailored to children and families, fostering ongoing scientific learning.

Location and Accessibility

Address: 346 N Neil St, Champaign, IL 61820

Situated in downtown Champaign, the location was accessible to the community and convenient for school field trips and family visits.

Closure and Current Status

In 2020, the Orpheum Children’s Science Museum announced permanent closure due to financial challenges compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on attendance and funding.

The historic Orpheum Theatre building was subsequently put up for sale, marking the end of an era for this unique cultural and educational venue.

The Champaign County Museums organization continues to provide information about the museum’s legacy and potential future uses of the building.

Legacy and Impact

For over two decades, the Orpheum Children’s Science Museum was a cornerstone of informal science education in the Champaign-Urbana area.

It inspired countless children to explore science through play and hands-on learning, supported local educators, and contributed to community engagement with STEM topics.

The museum’s closure left a gap in accessible children’s science education locally, although other institutions in the area continue to serve similar roles.