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Press Release
City Proposes New Lease to Muse Knoxville
Muse Knoxville has announced plans to expand thanks to strong donor support and a possible new lease agreement with the City of Knoxville.
The proposed plan will allow the beloved children’s science museum to expand into the historic Jacob Building at Chilhowee Park and increase space from 10,000 square feet to nearly 57,000 square feet.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a world-class, all-ages science museum right here in Knoxville – one that is hands-on, play-based, and designed with our community’s voice at the center,” said Allison Comer, President & CEO of Muse Knoxville. “We are deeply grateful to the City, to our supporters, and to every single community member who has made this vision possible. This is truly Knoxville’s museum, and we can’t wait to build it together.”
The design plan is based on years of student and community feedback. The expanded museum will feature immersive exhibit zones that spark curiosity across a wide range of hands-on subjects – from robotics, to energy, to transportation and engineering, and so much more.
“The Jacob Building sits next door to Muse Knoxville’s current location in Chilhowee Park and is a natural fit for their vision,” said Mayor Indya Kincannon. “This is a win-win for the city, and we are excited to know that the often under-utilized Jacob Building will now host thousands of families each year at a top-notch science museum.
“This project is also a wonderful addition to the City’s redevelopment plans along the Magnolia corridor. I’ll say it again: it’s East Knoxville’s time!”
Upon Council’s approval, Muse Knoxville will enter into a new lease with the City of Knoxville for the Jacob Building this fall. However, it is important to note all current commitments and scheduled events at the Jacob Building through fall of 2026 will be fulfilled.
A children’s science museum has been at this location since the 1970s, but today often visitors are “waitlisted” due to capacity concerns.
This past year, Muse Knoxville served nearly 140,000 children and caregivers, from all 50 states, over 1,800 U.S. ZIP codes, and 12 different countries. School field trips and outreach programs now reach more than 40,000 students annually, with waiting lists for group visits forming months in advance.
“Thank you to the City for finding a solution to our capacity needs," said Comer. “I also want to express deep gratitude to all of our donors, including a generous initial gift from the Boyd Foundation and a transformational $25 million gift from the Clayton Family Foundation. I can’t wait to see this new museum become a reality.”
If all goes as planned, Muse Knoxville hopes to open inside the Jacob Building by summer 2028.