Officials announced Thursday that a children's museum, dubbed Amazeum, will be built near Crystal Bridges on Northeast J Street in Bentonville.
Thursday's announcement came after years of fundraising led to a $10 million matching contribution from the Walton Family Foundation, which is also donating the land, according to the news release. The museum is planned to open in 2015, according to a press kit on the museum's website.
“This is a day we’ve been anticipating since early 2006, when a group of visionary parents, business leaders and educators recognized the need for a museum that would amaze children of all ages and their families while enhancing the quality of life throughout the region,” Bob Arvin, president of the Amazeum’s Board of Directors, said in a news release. “We can’t believe the day is finally here and are looking forward to watching it all come together in the coming months.”
The news release also named the museum's new executive director, Sam Dean, who has spent more than 18 years in museum development and direction.
Facilities will include 44,500 square feet of museum space and an acre outdoors, according to the news release.