Holland Museum to close Spark!Lab; announces expansion of family learning spaces

HOLLAND — After a seven-year run, the Holland Museum will conclude its hands-on Spark!Lab Smithsonian exhibit next month to pave the way for a major layout redesign, including two new family-focused education spaces and an expanded gallery.

The interactive space — developed in partnership with the Smithsonian and the Lemelson Foundation — will permanently close on Sept. 15. Originally scheduled as a two-year installation when it launched, the STEAM-focused activity room remained a core feature through the COVID-19 pandemic.

“What began as a two-year exhibition became an important part of our museum community,” said Michelle Stempien, executive director of the Holland Museum. “We have loved watching families learn, experiment, create, and discover together.”

Following the closure, the museum will renovate the room back into the Wichers Gallery, named for museum founder Willard Wichers. Funded by private donors and a grant from the Macatawa Area Coordinating Council, the updated room will function as a flexible venue for lectures and larger traveling exhibits starting in mid-November.

To replace the outgoing installation, museum officials plan to convert the existing Focus Gallery into a dedicated Family Gallery aimed at children ages 2-9. A second educational space is also being redesigned to host weekday school visits and weekend STEAM activities.

Both new spaces are slated to open in spring 2027.

Visitors can access the Spark!Lab's final "Wizard of Oz"-themed exhibit during regular operating hours through Sept. 14, as well as during a free admission night 4-7 p.m. Sept. 14.

— Submitted by the Holland Museum. To submit a news tip, email newsroom@ottawanewsnetwork.org.