2. zimmer children’s museum
6505 wilshire blvd. suite 100
los angeles, ca 90048
www.zimmermuseum.org
323.761.8984
suisman urban design
201 mabery road
santa monica, ca 90402
www.suisman.com
310.230.9997
3. Made possible by the generous
support of Fred and Lee Silton.
Reimagining
the Zimmer
Visionary Prospectus
4. A pivotal moment for Los Angeles has arrived. A burgeoning public transit sys-
tem could deliver a more connected city with opportunities to come together
like never before. The children of Los Angeles deserve an institution where
they can celebrate the cultural laboratory that is their hometown, imagine
together the LA they wish to inherit, and grow the skills that will allow their
generation to turn those dreams into reality. That institution is the new Zim-
mer Children’s Museum.
A bustling metropolis built on creativity, Los Angeles is now home to nearly 4
million children. Adults in the city have the luxury of exploring the world’s fin-
est aesthetic playgrounds. However, unlike most other urban centers, Los An-
geles lacks a range of high-caliber cultural institutions designed specifically for
kids, youth and families. The Zimmer Children’s Museum believes LA’s children
and youth deserve arts and cultural experiences of the same magnitude.
At present, the Zimmer Children’s Museum is experiencing some very wonder-
ful challenges. In the past three years, despite the museum’s current mod-
est 10,000 square feet and a somewhat hidden location in the basement of a
high-rise office building with very limited weekend and holiday hours, atten-
dance has more than doubled and continues to rise. Regularly, lines of fami-
lies wait anxiously for their visits to the Zimmer, and there are growing waitlists
of hopeful participants for programs, ranging from early childhood classes to
field trips to the museum’s youth development program, youTHink.
This demand for family-focused cultural institutions is not unique to Los
Angeles. Nationally, children’s museums are a vital and rapidly expanding ele-
ment of the cultural sector, hosting thirty million visitors each year. Children’s
museums have increased by 100% in number in the last decade, and nearly
seventy new children’s museums are currently in development.1
Sixty-five
percent of children’s museums are located in urban areas2
attracting diverse
audiences that include local residents, domestic and international tourists
and schools who enjoy the exciting balance of play and learning these institu-
tions provide.
All of this clearly illustrates not only a need for expanded space for the Zim-
mer, but more importantly, the demand for quality arts and culture institu-
tions whose programming is devoted to kids and families—something found
less often in LA than other cities.
LA is set to reimagine itself… again.
“The Zimmer
is a museum
committed to
good deeds!
Great!”
–Arthur S., grandparent
“Thank you for
being a safe
and creative
place kids of
Los Angeles
can go and
express their
voice!”
–Lizza M., parent
1, 2 Courtesy of the Association of Children’s Museums
5. The Zimmer’s history of programming for all ages and the social justice focus
of its mission brings even greater impact to the Los Angeles community:
The Zimmer Children’s Museum is dedicated to inspiring young people of all
ages to cultivate a social conscience and embrace their responsibility to help
make the world a better place.
Over the past year, the Zimmer has been at the forefront of a national con-
versation led by the American Association of Children’s Museums, and funded
by the MetLife Foundation, about what a 21st century children’s museum
is—physically and philosophically. The Zimmer is taking both elements into
careful consideration when evaluating how best to serve the unique needs of
Los Angeles—a city with multiple town centers, housing varied communities
of people living in neighborhoods that are spread across a wide geographic
area. This document is the result of this year-long investigation and serves to
address the civic need and the Zimmer’s vision for serving LA’s youth as a 21st
century children’s museum.
The Zimmer Children’s Museum’s future plans include expanded gallery space
to accommodate programs for ages 0-18 that is easily accessible to the di-
verse Los Angeles population. This expanded space will also create opportuni-
ties for the museum to connect with community and cultural institutions that
also serve families.
The Zimmer Children’s Museum is poised to fill a gap in the cultural landscape
and a need for fun, educational and civic-minded programs for all LA families,
yielding meaningful results for Los Angeles for generations to come.
“I have learned
that it just
takes one
person to stand
up for what
they believe.
I also learned
that I can be
that person.”
–Marina G.,
high school student
Possible depiction of future
Zimmer Children’s Museum.
By Suisman Urban Design.
6.
7. Table of Contents
I Zimmer Children’s Museum: Who We Are Now
II Why We Do What We Do
Provide Stimulating Exhibits that Emphasize Social Responsibility
Bring Communities Together and Create a Space for Civic Engagement
Provide Much Needed Access to Arts Education
Cultivate 21st Century Skills to Enhance Tomorrow’s Workforce
III A New Zimmer: Why Us And Why Now
Families Have Few Options
How is a Family-Focused Cultural Institution Different?
IV What Does The Future Look Like?
A New Public Square
Economic Impact
Collaboration is Key
A Flagship Location Would Serve Many
Greater Economic Sustainability for the Organization
V How Can You Help?
Acknowledgements
9
15
23
31
37
41
10. Builds community by celebrating shared values and cultural diversity
in a fun, hands-on environment.
Supports families by providing meaningful learning experiences for
parents and children.
Teaches values—kindness, responsibility, social justice and inclusivity—
through interactive play.
Creates self-awareness by engaging youth in imaginative free play
and creativity as a way to understand new ideas as well as generate and build
confidence in their own ideas.
Bolsters education by providing underserved communities with in-
teractive arts, education and leadership programs that foster personal devel-
opment and a commitment to social change.
Empowers youth by stimulating critical thinking, fostering self-expres-
sion and presenting real opportunities to tackle issues affecting their community
and our society.
As LA’s only children’s museum3
, the Zimmer:
3 The Zimmer is the only children’s museum in the city of Los Angeles. LA County has two children’s museums – the Zimmer and
Kidspace in Pasadena.
10 Reimagining the Zimmer Visionary Prospectus
Exhibits at the Zimmer
encourage hands-on,
imaginative play.
11. With a focus on community responsibility and social justice, the Zimmer Chil-
dren’s Museum has two major programming initiatives—the children’s museum
itself and youTHink, the Zimmer’s innovative youth development program.
The museum features 10,000 square feet of interactive exhibits for ages 0–8
and now hosts over 70,000 guests each year. The museum’s hands-on exhibits,
family programs, wide array of arts-based classes, camps and workshops, field
trips and community engagement initiatives give children, families and schools
opportunities to engage in stimulating play and learning experiences.
The Zimmer believes in the immense benefits that meaningful play can bring
to individual children and to the community when young people from across
the city play together. All of the Zimmer’s exhibits and programs emphasize the
importance of community responsibility and global citizenship.
“It’s like a
miniature
world where
kids run the
show!”
–365 Los Angeles
11Reimagining the Zimmer Who We Are Now
Zimmer programs offer
opportunities for arts
education and discovery-
based learning.
12. The museum works to accomplish this goal of building community through in-
clusive programming and its We All Play access initiative that work to remove
barriers that may prevent participation. Through We All Play, the museum of-
fers free field trips for Title I schools, no-admission community days, subsi-
dized admission and memberships and need-based scholarships to children
and families who qualify. Furthermore, the museum provides families with chil-
dren with special needs a variety of options to participate in museum programs
including exclusive Open Door Days.
The Zimmer Children’s Museum also recognizes the critical role youth play in
our communities and in efforts for social change. More than 3,000 youth are
served each year through youTHink, the Zimmer’s innovative education out-
reach program. Anchored in social justice, youTHink utilizes the power of art
to foster critical thinking about contemporary issues and empowers young
people ages 12-18 to make a difference in their communities and in the wider
world. youTHink achieves this goal though arts-based lessons in L.A.-area pub-
lic schools, exhibitions of social commentary art by youth, and a range of youth
development and community involvement programs beyond the classroom.
These programs provide opportunities for youth from traditionally underserved
communities to find their own voices and take action for social change.
12 Reimagining the Zimmer Visionary Prospectus
Families enjoy
a drum circle, a
ritual found in
many traditions.
“At the Zimmer,
we were all
so relaxed.
It was a rare
and magical
afternoon for
our family.”
–Victoria C.,
Open Door Day parent
“With the EBT
cardholder free
admission, you
provide a safe
place to bring
our kids to play.
Thank you.”
–Veronica R., parent
13. 13Reimagining the Zimmer Who We Are Now
youTHink students at a local middle
school build a community garden
as part of Big Sunday.
“I speak with passion and listen with passion.
These skills have developed me into a leader.”
-Ramone W., middle school student
16. In an adult-centered world that often accelerates the process of growing up,
children’s museums provide a unique landscape of interactive exhibits that al-
low for play-based learning to occur at a child’s own pace. Furthermore, the
Zimmer Children’s Museum understands that children learn best through their
own discoveries and when they are engaged in the environment and the pro-
cess. Exhibits, or playscapes, at children’s museums offer an exciting balance
of play and learning and in an increasingly digital world, provide opportuni-
ties where families can engage in meaningful learning experiences together.
At the Zimmer, children and families play with purpose, and all exhibits present
opportunities to explore and engage in important social conversations around
themes like helping those in need, global citizenship, philanthropy and environ-
mental responsibility. The Zimmer’s distinct focus emphasizes social and emotion-
al learning, often sacrificed in American education in favor of increasingly earlier
academic achievement.
Why Play-Based Learning is Important:
• Play itself is so essential to child development that
it was formally recognized as a “right of every child”
by the United Nations High Commission for Human
Rights.4
• Play allows children to use their creativity while de-
veloping their imagination, dexterity, and physical,
cognitive, and emotional strength. Play is important
to healthy brain development.5
• 47% of students from academic early learning en-
vironments need special education compared to
only 6% from play-based groups. By age 23, 34%
of the former had been arrested for a felony of-
fense compared with 9% of the others.6
4 Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. Convention on the Rights of the Child. General Assembly Resolution 44/25 of 20 November 1989.
5 Ginsberg, Kenneth R.“The Importance of Play in Promoting Healthy Child Development and Maintaining Strong Parent-Child Bonds.”Pediatrics (2007), 119, 182.
6 Almon, Joan, and Miller, Edward.“The Crisis in Early Education A Research-Based Case for More Play and Less Pressure.”Alliance for Childhood (2011).
16 Reimagining the Zimmer Visionary Prospectus
Provide Stimulating Exhibits that Emphasize
Social Responsibility
“It’s a glorious
place… a joy
to watch those
children rapt
with delight!”
–Nancy Z., parent
A visitor constructs a pipe sculpture
at the Water Ways exhibit.
17. Most children’s museum’s missions center only around play-based learning.
While the Zimmer Children’s Museum subscribes to the “power of play,” it also
believes that creating a genuinely welcoming place where all families from
across the city can play and learn together can be an engine for building com-
munity. Taking that a step further, the museum encourages children of all ages
to understand the benefits of living in such a global community and develop the
capacities for empathy and civic participation at all stages of their lives. The
museum accomplishes this through programs that focus on intercultural ex-
change, kindness and compassion, and service learning and that create “space”
for dialogue with a trained staff that can facilitate such conversation.
The museum’s youTHink program works with youth to help them identify
opportunities for positive impact in their communities and become agents of
that change. According to a report produced by the President’s Committee on
the Arts and Humanities, “Art education with a social justice component al-
lows students to learn about and develop a connection to their communities
through art-making as well as to develop the skills necessary to become en-
gaged citizens in a democracy. This type of art education empowers students
to move beyond their sometimes limiting circumstances to change their own
lives and communities.”7
“Some had
never thought
of themselves
as agents of
change, but
these experi-
ences helped
open their eyes
to the world
and their
capacity in
taking action.”
–J. T.,
high school teacher
“We encounter
injustice so to
be able to voice
our opinions
and be heard is
one step closer
to success.”
–Sky D.,
high school student
Why space for civic engagement is important:
• There is a documented decline in civic engagement in the last 30 years, most
notably illustrated in Robert Putnam’s Bowling Alone.
• A collection of studies in 2003 found that extremely diverse cities have been
found to have lower levels of social capital, or the collective value and benefit
of social networks.8
• A landmark examination of civic engagement, Working Together: Commu-
nity Involvement in America, indicates that children are among the most likely
subjects to motivate community involvement.9
• Multi-age groups are a natural learning environment, which is positive to
younger and to older children, both on cognitive and social levels.10
7 Weitz, J. H. “Coming up taller: Arts and humanities programs for children and youth at risk” Washington, DC: President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities,1996.
8 “Arts and Civic Engagement: Involved in Arts, Involved in Life.”National Endowment for the Arts. http://www.nea.gov/pub/civicengagement.pdf
9 Courtesy of Harvard Kennedy School of Government:“BetterTogether”Report http://www.bettertogether.org/thereport.htm
10 Meire, Johan“Qualitative Research on Children’s Play: A Review of Recent Literature.”Several Perspectives on Children’s Play: Scientific Reflections for Practitioners. Ed.Van Gils,
Jan, and, Jambor,Tom. Antwerp: Garant, 2007.
17Reimagining the Zimmer Why We Do What We Do
Bring Communities Together and Create a Space
for Civic Engagement
18. 11 National Endowment for the Arts. The Arts and Achievement in At-Risk Youth. March 2010. http://www.nea.gov/research/arts-at-risk-youth.pdf
12 National Endowment for the Arts. Arts Education in America: What the Declines Mean for Arts Participation. February 2011. http://www.nea.gov/
research/2008-SPPA-ArtsLearning.pdf
13 Stevenson, L. M. Deasy, R. J. (2005). Third Space: When Learning Matters. Washington, DC: Arts Education Partnership. (pp. 10-11).Jan, and, Jambor,Tom.
Antwerp: Garant, 2007. P.34
18 Reimagining the Zimmer Visionary Prospectus
Why access to arts education is important:
• Students with high arts participation and low socioeconomic status have a 4%
dropout rate—5x lower than their low socioeconomic status peers.11
• In 2008, African-American and Hispanic students had less than half of the
access to arts education as their white peers and has been steadily declining
for three decades.12
• Arts have the ability to transform the often frustrating and high-stress culture
and curriculum of schools with high rates of poverty to vibrant hubs of learn-
ing.13
Provide Much Needed Access to Arts Education
It is an unfortunate reality that many public schools have drastically cut or
even entirely eliminated arts education. From 2007 to 2012, funding for arts ed-
ucation at L.A. Unified School District was cut by 76%, from a budgeted high of
$78.6 million to $18.6 million, leaving 53% of LAUSD elementary students with-
out any arts instruction at all according to Arts for LA. Many middle and high
schools entirely lack arts-based curriculum as well.
With this change, organizations such as the Zimmer Children’s Museum are now
more important than ever as program partners—specifically offering arts-inte-
gration strategies that preserve a level of arts education in the classroom while
allowing diverse learners greater proficiency of core subjects.
“The over 110
students who
participated in
youTHink do
not have any
art class, but
based on what
they created,
it is something
they care
deeply about.”
–Michael U.,
high school teacher
“The reluctant
learners are
able to express
their views via
art.”
–Steve B.,
middle school teacher
19. “The students
were so
engaged in
the process. It
was wonderful
to have them
step into a real
plane or a real
boat and take
on their
creativity.”
–Jenifer K., Pre-K teacher
“My students
collaborated,
shared ideas
and gave their
opinions. This
project gave the
students more
confidence
in expressing
their points of
view.”
–Luis V.,
high school teacher
14 Karoly, Lynn A. and ConstantijnW. A. Panis.The 21st Century atWork: Forces Shaping the FutureWorkforce andWorkplace in
the United States. Rand Corporation, 2004.
15 IBM 2010 Global CEO Study. http://www-03.ibm.com/press/us/en/photo/31681.wss
16 Partnership for 21st Century Skills. 21st Century Skills Map: The Arts. July 2010. http://www.p21.org/storage/documents/
P21_arts_map_final.pdf
19Reimagining the Zimmer Why We Do What We Do
youTHink middle
school students create
compositions using Bio-
philia apps developed by
renowned musician Bjork.
Cultivate 21st Century Skills to Enhance
Tomorrow’s Workforce
The 21st Century skills of critical thinking and problem solving, communica-
tion, collaboration, creativity and innovation are now recognized as necessary
for workers who must navigate rapidly changing industries and society. Perhaps
more importantly, with such changing social dynamics, equipping today’s young
people with these skills will afford them the ability to solve problems not even
yet imagined.
Why 21st century skills are important:
• Shifts in the nature of business organizations and the growing importance of
knowledge-based work also favor strong non-routine, cognitive skills, such
as abstract reasoning, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration.14
• According to a major IBM survey of more than 1,500 Chief Executive Officers
from 60 countries and 33 industries worldwide, chief executives believe that—
“more than rigor, management discipline, integrity or even vision—successfully
navigating an increasing complex world will require creativity.”15
• By combining arts education and 21st Century skills, young people will de-
velop skills like global awareness and health and environmental literacy that
are essential to navigating a modern world.16
24. As illustrated below, when compared to other major metropolitan areas,
Los Angeles has the greatest proportion of children under the age of 18 to
total population but has the fewest children’s museums with much smaller at-
tendance due to capacity. Given LA’s total number of children and families, as
well as their proportion to the general population, Los Angeles could be home
to several successful children’s museums at the same time, generating ap-
proximately a million visitors if institutions could accommodate.
18 under
Metropolitan area
Annual Children’s
Museum attendance
(2011)
Number of
Children’s Museums
Age group
** includes Zimmer and Kidspace in Pasadena
* includes San J ose. Children’s Museum of Santa Cruz (# 7) is in development
Distribution of children
under 18 in relation to
total population
New York
18.9
million
4
children’s
museums
1,028,608
visitors
4.5
million
23.8%
Chicago
1,244,388
visitors
9.8
million
6
children’s
museums
2.6
million
26.8%
Bay Area
877,926
visitors
7.2
million
6*
children’s
museums
1.6
million
22.2%
Los Angeles
260,000
visitors
12.8
million
3.5
million
2**
children’s
museums
27.3%
Total
population
Population
under 18
Compiled from Association of Children’s Museums and US Census Bureau, 2013.
24 Reimagining the Zimmer Visionary Prospectus
25. Even with a world-class art scene and nearly 300 mu-
seums, Los Angeles lacks a wide range of cultural institutions specifically
designed for children and families. Currently, there are two children’s mu-
seums in all of Los Angeles County—the Zimmer and Kidspace in Pasade-
na. Together, these two institutions host fewer than 300,000 visitors a year
largely due to limited capacity. While there are other cultural institutions
with elements for kids and families, there are no other arts-based cultural
institutions whose core program is devoted to kids and families.
“L.A. Hidden
Gem!”
@rockinmama,
parent and blogger
25Reimagining the Zimmer Why Us and Why Now
Families make winter
themed masterpeices in
the Zimmer art studio.
Families Have Few Options
26. Just as a parent takes a child to a pediatrician for services specialized for
young patients, a cultural institution designed specifically for children, youth
and families provides many considerations with this specific audience in mind.
A family-focused institution delivers:
• A constant calendar of programs and events especially for kids and youth.
• Trained and professional staff that can respond to community need and ad-
just programs accordingly.
• Developmentally appropriate programming by experienced arts professionals
who know the child audience.
• A physical space that understands kids, youth, schools and families’ needs
during their visits.
• Support for traditional arts institutions by training future generations as arts
audiences and patrons.
“Summer Camp
at the Zimmer
was AMAZING!
The projects
and staff were
great and the
communication
unreal! My kid
loved it!!!”
–Lisa A, parent
26 Reimagining the Zimmer Visionary Prospectus
Zimmer Play Guide
works with a
camper at the
Water Ways exhibit.
How is a Family-Focused Cultural
Institution Different?
27. “Lots of options
and activities
are packed into
this little chil-
dren’s museum.
The kids had a
blast!”
–Shannon G., parent
In the last three years, the Zimmer Children’s Museum’s current space has
become much too restrictive to accommodate the growing number of guests
who visit the museum. In 2013, annual attendance will likely top 75,000 guests
compared to 30,000 just three years ago. The all-too-common hour-long waits
outside the museum demonstrate enthusiastic demand for its exhibits and
programs.
The museum is located in a building whose original intent was not to serve fami-
lies or such large numbers of public visitors. It is currently located in an office
building where there is no exterior sign for the museum and very limited park-
ing, is closed during peak weekend family visit times, and whose public spaces
are not designed for the traffic welcomed by the museum. Despite these chal-
lenges, the museum continues to broaden and grow its audience, which clearly
demonstrates a demand for its programs and is a testament to the quality of
the museum staff and its unique understanding of the family audience.
It has become clear that the museum is not equipped in its current space
to meet these growing demands. The current 10,000 square feet of exhibits
are designed for ages 0-8, limiting the audience. Additionally, aside from
capacity issues during public hours, the museum regularly turns away field trip
requests due to availability and what the current square footage will allow. Sim-
ply put, the museum is not able to accommodate the demand for programs
requested by current program participants or to capitalize on potential
program expansion.
“Can’t believe
it took me 3.5
years to find
the Zimmer!
Great place to
take your
littles!”
–Jenna S., parent
27Reimagining the Zimmer Why Us and Why Now
Local kid music
faves, Andrew
and Polly lead
a sing-a-long at
the museum.
Demand Exceeds Current Capacity
28. “At the Zimmer,
it’s so simple
for children to
interact with
other children
and allow their
imaginations
to come to life.”
–Mayra J., parent
We’re Experienced
The Zimmer Children’s Museum has over 20 years of history serving kids, youth,
schools and families. Its visionary founder and CEO, Esther Netter, and the Zim-
mer staff have an intimate understanding of and steadfast commitment to the
needs of Los Angeles families and youth. Furthermore, the Zimmer Board of
Directors provides insightful and responsible guidance and joins a broad base
of supporters from across Los Angeles in its mission.
We’re Listening
The Zimmer Children’s Museum’s intense investigation of location and the pos-
sibilities for a new model of a 21st Century children’s museum illustrates a level
of due diligence when considering what will serve LA’s youth and families best.
We have learned from those that have come before us.
We’re Getting There
The increased availability of public transit in LA, specifically the light rail, is
swiftly becoming a new tie to bind our civic threads. By 2015 Los Angeles will
be connected from Downtown to the ocean by the Expo line. This line travers-
es 15 miles of Los Angeles and runs through a diverse cross section of socio-
economic and ethnic communities. The addition of this public transit line in-
creases access between disparate communities and reduces barriers faced by
members of low-income communities without private transportation. It also
broadens the demographic of public transportation users, as more profession-
als and families opt for an easy way to travel through the city.
We’re Needed Today and Tomorrow
While capacity issues and greater demand than we can currently serve are worth
celebrating, it really means that LA families and youth yearn for meaningful
connection and to be part a community like no other on the planet. Perhaps
most importantly, by giving Los Angeles public squares to build community and
young Angelenos an understanding of their potential impact on that community,
the Zimmer Children’s Museum can help to facilitate a kinder, stronger, more
vibrant tomorrow for this great city we all call home.
28 Reimagining the Zimmer Visionary Prospectus
(opposite) Zimmer heroes
celebrate Superman’s birthday
with Clark Kent himself.
32. The Zimmer is committed to learning, civic engagement
and community involvement that extends beyond the walls of a traditional
museum building. Zimmer currently accomplishes this by offering programs
in multiple locations throughout the city through collaboration with schools,
community organizations and other partners.
PASADENA
BOYLE
HEIGHTS
BURBANK
GLENDALE
EAST L.A.
SOUTH L.A.
SAN FERNANDO
VALLEY
SANTA
MONICA
HOLLYWOOD
MID-CITY
LONG
BEACH
SAN
PEDROPALOS
VERDES
Current Zimmer location
youTHink community programs
The Zimmer’s youTHink program offers art and social justice lessons in 4th to 12th grade classes as
well as youth leadership development and community involvement opportunities for middle and high
school youth after school and on weekends. The orange dots represent the 106 schools that the 8,764
participants attended in the 2010-2011 to 2012-2013 academic years.
Current Zimmer location
youTHink school locations
32 Reimagining the Zimmer Visionary Prospectus
33. Museum Without Walls: City as Campus
The current Zimmer audience is already a reflection of Los Angeles’ diversity,
from the Title I partner schools in East, Downtown and South Los Angeles to
local preschools and families and those who travel to the museum from distant
neighborhoods. The expansive nature of the city and its traffic challenges make
one single, central location impractical. Therefore, the museum is exploring
models of creative place-making that will expand beyond the walls of a flagship
museum and may encompass one or more satellite centers in other communi-
ties served, as well as pop-up exhibits, mobile units and creative partnerships
with cultural institutions across the city.
“The most important thing I learned about myself is how
much I care about my community.” -Giselle L., middle school student
A New Public Square
In an increasingly digital world, providing opportunities for meaningful human
interaction has never been more important. The impact is magnified in such
a car-dependent city as Los Angeles. Creative place-making, the belief that
arts can be the cornerstone of community development and urban revitaliza-
tion, is clearly illustrated in the fact that nationally, 35% of currently operating
children’s museums are part of downtown revitalization projects. Furthermore,
creative place-making is such a powerful proposition that it is the grant-making
focus of ArtPlace, a consortium of thirteen major foundations and six national
banks as well as a current leading funding priority of the National Endowment
of the Arts.
33Reimagining the Zimmer What Does Future Look Like?
Kids learn about Atzec culture
with the Kalpulli Tlatekuhtli
dance troupe.
34. Economic Impact
The new Zimmer Children’s Museum would host approximately 300,000 visitors
a year in a modest flagship venue. This influx of traffic would benefit adjacent
restaurants, merchants and local businesses of all kinds. Additionally, the Zim-
mer is committed to giving back to its own community by utilizing local vendors
who would then also profit from the museum’s anticipated $3.5 million dollar
annual expenditures. Any community that inherits the museum will add another
amenity for its local residents strengthening quality of life and community ap-
peal for residents and businesses alike.
Collaboration is Key
When complementary organizations leverage collective resources, the most
significant community impact can result. In an expanded form, the Zimmer
Children’s Museum hopes to be a central resource for kids, youth and families
and as part of its own modeling of civic engagement, would offer its space for
community events and to organizations who share tenets of its mission.
Greater Economic Sustainability
for the Organization
Mostfiscallyhealthychildren’smuseumsoperateneara50/50earned/unearned
revenue model. Even though the museum’s growth continues, due to its cur-
rent location, there is a finite ceiling on earned revenue streams from admis-
sions, memberships, programs and merchandise that will not allow the bud-
get to reach that balanced proportion. A new space would allow the museum to
increase earned revenue exponentially—with a preliminary projection at an as-
tonishing six times what is earned from those sources now. A new Zimmer would
also create greater potential for fundraising with a more significant profile and
ability offer more programs and serve greater numbers. While the operating
budget would increase by at least 40%, the potential earned revenue would
offset that increase and allow additional fundraising to directly support new
programs and initiatives.
“Beautifully
designed…
friendly staff…
awesome day!”
–Denise D., parent
“This was an amazing oasis of endless fun.
I had to drag him out kicking and screaming!”
–Peetwee L., parent
34 Reimagining the Zimmer Visionary Prospectus
35. Flagship Location Would Serve Many
Certain variables like visibility, location and breadth of programming may cause expo-
nential growth in indeterminable ways. The numbers below assume an expansion to
20,000squarefeetofexhibit/programspace.Theseprojectionsarelikelyconservative
and do not account for the “tourist factor” in the right location.
School Attendance
Weekend Attendance
Weekday Attendance
youTHink Participants
Event Rentals/Parties
TOTAL
3,000
11,000*
55,000
3,000
3,500
75,000
24,000
104,000
125,000
6,000
25,000
284,000
CURRENT ANTICIPATED YEAR 3
35Reimagining the Zimmer What Does Future Look Like?
* The Zimmer in unable to be open on Friday evenings or Saturdays in its current location.
New summer camp
friends learn about
helping others in
the Zimmer’s S. Mark
Taper Foundation Aid
and Rescue Center.
39. 39Reimagining the Zimmer How Can You Help?
Please contact the Zimmer
Children’s Museum for
engagement and giving
opportunities to help make
this vision possible.
Esher Netter, CEO
esther@zimmermuseum.org
323.761.8999
How Can You Help?
40.
41. Andy Kaplan
Chair
President, Networks,
Sony Pictures Television
Jean Friedman
Founding Chair
Community Leader
David Straus
Vice Chair
Partner, Reason
Ventures, LLC
Barbara Fisher
Vice Chair
SVP Programming, GMC
Dick Lippin
Vice Chair
Chairman-CEO
Lippin Group
Richard A. Smith
Vice Chair
President, The Private Bank
of California
Sheryl Wachtel
Vice Chair
Owner, SW Photography
Deborah Dragon
Secretary
Owner, Treat LA
Aryeh Goldberg
Treasurer
Director of Corporate Strategy
SF Management Company,
LLC
Acknowledgements
Board of
Directors
Re-Imagining
Task Force
Zimmer
Children’s
Museum
Leadership
Facilities
Task Force
Design Team
Susan Amster
Wealth and Tax Advisory
Services, Accountant
Kevin Beggs
President, Television
Programming Production,
Lionsgate
Allison Berg
Attorney and
Community Leader
Jennifer Cohen
Stephen J. Davis
President, Hasbro, Inc.
Rodney Freeman
Owner, Freeman
Construction
Beth Friedman
Community Leader
Jenna Grosfeld
Jewelry Designer
Matt Hanover
Principal Content Strategy
Business Development,
Hanover Group, Inc.
David Levine
President, Disney XD
Worldwide
Carrie Lieberman
Partner, Team Tutors
Andy Meyers
President, M3 Creative
Jeremy Mittman
Associate, Labor
Employment Law Dept.,
Proskauer Rose LLP
Courtney Mizel
Business Consultant
Betsy Newman
Dentist
Stephen Davis
Deborah Dragon
Aryeh Goldberg
David Levine
Courtney Mizel
Shula Nazarian
David Straus
Rodney Freeman
Co-Chair
Ken Kahan
Co-Chair
Ari Eisenberg
Scott Kend
Dana Pachulski
Dana Sayles
Suisman Urban Design:
Doug Suisman, FAIA
Principal
Erick Rodriguez
Alan Chan
Alpana Prajapati
Armando Mtz-Celis
Sean Christensen
Eli Garsilazo
All renderings by
Suisman Urban Design
Esther Netter
Chief Executive Officer
esther@zimmermuseum.org
Christine Barber
Director of Finance
and Administration
christine@zimmermuseum.org
Rebecca Bernard
Development and
Communications
Manager
rebecca@zimmermuseum.org
Julee Brooks
Museum Director
julee@zimmermuseum.org
Shifra Teitelbaum
youTHink Director
shifra@zimmermuseum.org
Dana Pachulski
Banker
Benyamin Ross
Gibson, Dunn Crutcher,
LLP
Jeffrey P. Straus
President, JeffStra, Inc.
Fernando Szew
CEO, MarVista Entertainment
Jennifer Wooster
Community Leader
