Children's Discovery Museum CEO ready to start playtime

Amanda McReynolds Doran is playing the waiting game.

The newly hired executive director of the PotashCorp Children's Discovery Museum is busy planning for the institution's grand opening in 2019. Located in the former Mendel Art Gallery, the museum is expected to include everything from climbing spaces to a subterranean mining area.

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But first, the staff of the Remai Modern need to officially move to their new offices. Then, months of renovations will be needed, including asbestos removal and electrical.

"We're chomping at the bit to get in," she told CBC Radio's Saskatoon Morning. "We can't start our renovations and exhibit installation until the building is vacated completely."

What we're really trying to capture is the experience of childhood in this place.- Amanda McReynolds Doran, executive director, Children's Discovery Museum

However, once that happens, the fun can begin.

"We get to add in the flooring that's going to cushion their little steps as they're running the museum," she said. "We get to add all the climbing structures, all the creation space, the discovery mine — all the cool stuff."

McReynolds Doran said the concept of a children's museum is a bit understood by many people, but she thinks the concept behind the building will soon become clear.

"Sometimes people picture a quiet place where you can't touch," she said. "What we're really trying to capture is the experience of childhood in this place."

As a result, she said the museum will be instantly recognizable for all prairie kids, from bridges that kids can climb over to a room dedicated to the northern lights.

The museum is still fundraising for the project. It hopes to bring in $10 million by the time it opens.