Des Moines Children’s Museum must leave Valley West Mall by end of October
The Des Moines Children’s Museum is preparing to vacate its Valley West Mall location by the end of October and is seeking community support for its relocation.
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa —
The Des Moines Children’s Museum must vacate its Valley West Mall location by the end of October after receiving a 30-day notice following the mall’s sale.
The museum, which has been located at the mall since 2017, plans to remain open through October 24. Staff are working to secure a temporary space while construction continues on its permanent home in West Des Moines. The new location is expected to open next year.
“We’re bracing for a quick move, but it doesn’t change where we’re headed,” Interim Executive Director Ashlen Sheaffer, wrote in a news release. “We are still opening a bigger, better museum at 1200 12th Street. We’re just going to get there with a few more bumps in the road than we planned.”
The museum is asking for community assistance with the move. Volunteers are needed for packing and loading, and individuals or businesses can lend trucks, storage pods, or empty storage space. Donations to cover moving costs are also encouraged.
