The museum is temporarily closed to the public, but we can't wait to welcome you to our new location at Moody Gardens! Visit the FAQ page and follow us on Facebook for the latest updates.
Same GCM. New setting. Next chapter.
The Galveston Children’s Museum (GCM) is getting ready for an exciting new chapter at Moody Gardens.
Our move is planned as an approximately two-year residency while GCM continues working toward a permanent home.
At Moody Gardens, we’ll continue doing what GCM does best: creating opportunities for children to learn, explore, create, and grow through play.
We know our families, members, supporters, and community partners have questions about what this move means.
While some details are still being finalized, one thing is certain:
The Galveston Children’s Museum is still GCM. We remain an independent nonprofit organization with the same mission and commitment to the children and families we serve.
We’ll continue updating this page as new information becomes available. You can also follow us on Facebook to stay up-to-date.
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Our Move to Moody Gardens
Is the Galveston Children’s Museum closing?
No. We’re moving! The Galveston Children’s Museum is preparing to transition from our current location to a dedicated space at Moody Gardens.
Our residency at Moody Gardens is planned for approximately two years while we continue working toward a permanent home for GCM.
There may be a period when our physical museum is closed as we make the transition, but GCM will continue serving children and families through camps, pop-ups, community outreach, programs, and partnerships.
Why is GCM moving to Moody Gardens?
Our move to Moody Gardens gives GCM a place to continue growing and serving families while we work toward a permanent home for the Museum.
Rather than putting GCM’s work on hold while we search for a permanent location, this residency allows us to continue providing hands-on learning and play, strengthen community partnerships, develop new experiences, and welcome families in a new setting.
Most importantly, we can keep moving forward for the children and families who count on us.
Is Moody Gardens GCM’s permanent new location?
No. Our move to Moody Gardens is planned as an approximately two-year residency.
During that time, GCM will continue exploring opportunities for a permanent home that can support the Museum and our community for generations to come.
We’re excited about everything this next chapter at Moody Gardens makes possible while continuing to work toward GCM’s long-term future.
Why is a two-year residency important for GCM?
Our residency at Moody Gardens gives GCM the opportunity to keep moving forward while we work toward a permanent home.
Instead of putting the Museum’s growth on hold, we can continue serving children and families, developing new programs and experiences, strengthening community partnerships, and learning what our community needs from the GCM of the future.
These next two years are an important part of building a stronger, more sustainable future for the Galveston Children’s Museum.
Is GCM becoming part of Moody Gardens?
No. The Galveston Children’s Museum will remain an independent nonprofit organization with our own mission, programs, staff, memberships, fundraising, and community partnerships.
Moody Gardens will host GCM during our residency, but the Galveston Children’s Museum will continue to create and operate our own hands-on children’s museum experiences.
Visitors will be able to purchase admission directly through GCM, use their GCM membership, or visit with a Moody Gardens SuperSaver Pass.
Same GCM. New setting. Next chapter.
Where will GCM be located at Moody Gardens?
GCM will have a dedicated space on the second floor of the Discovery Pyramid at Moody Gardens.
As we get closer to opening, we’ll share maps, photos, directions, and everything families need to know before their first visit.
When is the last day at the current GCM location?
We are still finalizing our move-out timeline and will announce our last day at our current location as soon as it is confirmed.
Until then, please follow GCM through this website, email, and social media for the latest information.
When will GCM open at Moody Gardens?
Our opening timeline is still being finalized.
We’re planning a special first look for GCM members before opening to the public. Creating the GCM experience in a new space takes time, and we want to make sure it is welcoming, engaging, and ready for our families.
We’ll share updates throughout the transition and announce an opening date as soon as it is confirmed.
What happens after the two-year residency?
Our long-term goal is to establish a permanent home for the Galveston Children’s Museum.
During our residency at Moody Gardens, we’ll continue exploring opportunities and building the partnerships and support necessary to make that vision possible.
We’ll keep our community informed as that work develops. Just as our community has been part of GCM’s story from the beginning, we want you to be part of shaping what comes next.
Visiting GCM at Moody Gardens
Do I need to purchase Moody Gardens admission to visit GCM?
No. Visitors will be able to purchase admission directly from the Galveston Children’s Museum to visit GCM. You do not need to purchase admission to other Moody Gardens attractions to visit the Museum.
If you have a Moody Gardens SuperSaver Pass, admission to the Galveston Children’s Museum is included with your pass.
Can I visit GCM without visiting the other Moody Gardens attractions?
Absolutely! GCM can still be your destination.
Families will be able to purchase admission directly from the Galveston Children’s Museum without purchasing admission to other Moody Gardens attractions.
Is GCM admission included with a Moody Gardens SuperSaver Pass?
Yes. Admission to the Galveston Children’s Museum is included with a Moody Gardens SuperSaver Pass.
Can I use my Moody Gardens membership to visit the Galveston Children’s Museum?
Yes! Moody Gardens members can enjoy free admission to the Galveston Children’s Museum during regular operating hours. However, Moody Gardens memberships do not include GCM-specific membership benefits, such as discounts on camps, programs, special events, or other member perks.
To enjoy these additional benefits, you’ll need a Galveston Children’s Museum membership.
Where should GCM visitors park?
GCM visitors can park behind the Discovery Pyramid and follow the sidewalk to the Galveston Children’s Museum.
We’ll provide a map and additional arrival information as we get closer to opening so families know exactly where to go.
What happens to parking during Holiday in the Gardens?
During Holiday in the Gardens, parking procedures change after 4 p.m.
We’ll share updated parking and arrival information with GCM families during the holiday season so you know what to expect before your visit.
Will GCM’s hours be the same as Moody Gardens?
GCM’s operating hours and visitor information will be announced before we open our space at Moody Gardens. Please check this website before your visit for the most current information.
GCM Memberships
What happens to my current GCM membership?
Your GCM membership is coming with us!
Current Galveston Children’s Museum memberships will continue to be honored during our residency at Moody Gardens.
Your membership remains with the Galveston Children’s Museum and continues to connect your family to GCM while directly supporting our mission, programs, exhibits, and work with children and families.
We’ll communicate directly with members throughout the transition with updates, opportunities, and information about visiting our new space.
Can I still purchase or renew a GCM membership?
Absolutely, and this is an especially meaningful time to become a GCM member.
GCM memberships are available throughout our transition and will continue during our residency at Moody Gardens.
When you purchase or renew a membership, you’re doing more than planning future visits. You’re investing directly in the Galveston Children’s Museum and helping us continue serving children and families as we build this next chapter.
What benefits will GCM members receive?
GCM membership will continue to offer benefits designed especially for our families, including:
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Admission to the Galveston Children’s Museum
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Discounts on GCM camps
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Invitations to special member events
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Special opportunities and experiences throughout the year
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A member preview of our new space at Moody Gardens
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Additional member benefits and opportunities to be announced
Most importantly, your membership directly supports the Galveston Children’s Museum and helps make hands-on learning and play possible for children throughout our community.
Why does my GCM membership matter right now?
Membership matters more than ever during this transition.
Membership provides important, ongoing support that helps GCM continue offering programs, camps, outreach, and hands-on experiences while we prepare our space at Moody Gardens and work toward a permanent home.
Every new membership and every renewal is a vote of confidence in the future of the Galveston Children’s Museum. It demonstrates that families and supporters believe our community’s children deserve a museum created for them.
When you become a member, you’re not just joining GCM. You’re helping build what comes next.
Does my GCM membership include other Moody Gardens attractions?
No. Your GCM membership provides admission and benefits through the Galveston Children’s Museum. It does not include admission to other Moody Gardens attractions.
If you have a Moody Gardens SuperSaver Pass, admission to the Galveston Children’s Museum is included with your SuperSaver Pass.
Programs, Camps & Community Outreach
What will happen while the physical museum is closed?
GCM isn’t going away while we move.
Follow this website, our emails, and social media for upcoming opportunities to play and learn with GCM throughout the transition.
While we prepare our space at Moody Gardens, we’ll continue creating opportunities to connect with children and families through camps, pop-up experiences, community events, partnerships, and outreach.
Will GCM still offer camps?
Yes! Camps will continue to be part of GCM’s programming.
We will have our normal camp offerings during holidays and GISD Work Days. We’ll continue sharing upcoming camp opportunities and registration information through this website, email, and social media.
Will GCM still work with schools and community organizations?
Absolutely. Community outreach and partnerships remain an important part of GCM’s work. Schools, organizations, and community partners interested in scheduling a GCM outreach experience or having GCM participate in a family night or community event can contact us at info@galvestoncm.org.
Will GCM still be focused on Galveston County families?
Absolutely. While our location at Moody Gardens gives us an opportunity to welcome new visitors, our commitment to Galveston County’s children and families has not changed.
GCM will continue creating opportunities for local children to play, learn, create, and connect while strengthening our partnerships with schools, families, and organizations throughout our community.
Help Us Build What's Next
What will GCM at Moody Gardens be like?
We’re building on what families love about GCM while creating an experience designed for our new setting.
Our space will continue to center hands-on learning, creativity, curiosity, exploration, and play. As plans develop, we’ll share more about the spaces and experiences we’re creating and give our community opportunities to follow the transformation.
Why does GCM need to raise money for this transition?
Moving a children’s museum means much more than moving exhibits from one building to another.
Our space at Moody Gardens requires us to build, adapt, and create environments specifically designed for children to explore, learn, and play. We had hoped that a significant grant would provide much of the funding needed for this transition. While that funding was not awarded, our commitment to creating an engaging GCM experience at Moody Gardens has not changed.
Rather than putting our work on hold, we’re asking the community that has supported GCM to help us build this next chapter.
Why invest in a space GCM plans to use for approximately two years?
Because Galveston County’s children need places to play, learn, create, and belong now.
Our residency at Moody Gardens allows GCM to continue serving families while we work toward a permanent home. Your investment helps ensure that these next two years are not simply a waiting period. They are two years of learning, programs, exploration, community partnerships, and opportunities for children.
The experiences, programs, partnerships, and momentum we build during this residency will also help strengthen GCM for its long-term future.
What will my donation help build?
Your support will help turn our space at Moody Gardens into a children’s museum where children can explore, create, learn, and play.
Donations to the Help Us Build Campaign will help create the spaces, exhibits, programs, and experiences children will discover during this next chapter.
Together, we can build:
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Places where young children can explore and discover
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Spaces where children can build, create, and imagine
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Hands-on experiences that make learning exciting
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Programs that welcome children with different abilities and needs
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Opportunities for local families to learn and play together
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A stronger foundation for GCM’s permanent future
How can I help?
There are many ways to be part of GCM’s next chapter.
You can:
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Make a gift to the Help Us Build Campaign
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Become a GCM member or renew your membership
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Share our campaign with friends, family, and colleagues
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Connect GCM with businesses, foundations, and individuals who believe in investing in children
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Sponsor a program, exhibit, or experience
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Volunteer or participate in community events
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Continue showing up, sharing our story, and advocating for GCM
Help us build GCM’s next chapter while we work toward a permanent home for generations to come.
Still Have Questions?
We know a transition this big comes with questions, and some details are still being finalized. We’ll continue updating this page as new information becomes available.
If you have a question we haven’t answered, please contact us at info@galvestoncm.org.
Thank you for believing in the power of play and for helping write the next chapter of the Galveston Children’s Museum.