The Imagination Lab serves as an introduction to our educational approach of inspiring our visitors to IMAGINE, CREATE and SHARE. Here, kids of all ages are encouraged to IMAGINE an idea in our interactive hands-on environment, CREATE something original in the various studio spaces, and then SHARE what they’ve created with their friends and families or on display at the museum within our DIY Cloud Gallery.

AR Sandbox

In the Imagination Lab, the AR Sandboxes offer kids a hands-on introduction to topography, where they can move, dig, and shape Kinetic Sand into personalized landscapes. Experience two activities that teach and remind us about the importance of our natural world through creative play.

Map Makers
Explore the interactive dynamics of water flow and watersheds in this sandbox exhibit as mountains, valleys, lakes, and shorelines display various colors. Notice how the sand changes color as you build mountains or dig rivers with one swipe of your hand.

Habitat Helpers
Discover digitally-produced creatures as they swim, wiggle, and scamper their way through an ever-changing landscape. Design a habitat to help both land and water creatures thrive in their new environment.

View our AR Sandbox in this Global Map of AR Sandboxes.

This AR Sandbox project was made possible in part by the generous support of the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Storybook Park

Come visit Storybook Park, our Early Childhood Literacy exhibit in the Imagination Lab! This San Francisco parklet is designed to encourage children ages 5 and under to participate in a variety of literacy activities.

Sensory Alphabet
Explore a sensory alphabet using your sense of touch to engage with letters.

Reading Tree
Enjoy an evergreen selection of books to read with your family.

Magnetic Story Book
Engage in the narrative process while bringing stories to life.

Puppet Theater
Act out your favorite book or create your own original story.

The Imagination Lab was developed and designed by Maria Mortati in collaboration with CCM staff. Design and fabrication by Pseudo Studio. Special thanks to Eric Paulson for Cloud Gallery fabrication, Liz Turbolizard for upholstery, Fossil Faux Studios for detailing, Debra Darlington for project management, and Matthew Chilbert and Majenta Strongheart for puppet and costume design.