Louisiana Children's Museum

The beloved Louisiana Children’s Museum was housed for 30 years in the Warehouse District of New Orleans before expanding to a stunning new 8.5-acre site in City Park, designed by Mithun Architects. Studio Matthews designed the new brand as well as signage, interpretation, environmental graphics and donor recognition throughout the new indoor/outdoor site.

When our team first toured the original museum we visited their creative workshop space for kids, and were blown away by the incredible art, drawing and sculpture on the walls. From the museum staff we learned how important it is for kids’ learning and self-esteem to not just provide them with opportunities to draw, paint and create, but also to display that work and really celebrate it. So it made perfect sense to incorporate authentic children’s drawings—created at the Museum—in the new brand and throughout the new site. Each drawing is credited to the budding child artist.

Throughout our three years of work on this project, our team collaborated closely with the museum to create an environment that inspires both children and adults. One of our favorite pieces is the installation of quotes from grandparents describing their hopes and dreams for the children of New Orleans. Even better was learning from the staff that many kids now ask for photos of the wall, as they like what they read and want to remember the words. We look forward to this site serving multiple generations for many years to come.

This Summer, the Louisiana Children’s Museum was named the Winner of the Society for Experiential Graphic Design (SEGD) Global Design Award for Placemaking & Identity Signage.