Carl A. & Peggy J. Bluedorn Science Imaginarium

Bluedorn Science Imaginarium (Permanently Closed)

Support us as we "Reimagine the Imag" in a new space at the Grout Museum.

For 32 years, the Bluedorn Science Imaginarium has been a beloved part of the Grout Museum District, inspiring curiosity and learning for children and families across the Cedar Valley and the state of Iowa. From hands-on science exhibits and temporary dinosaur displays to live demonstrations and interactive fun, the Imaginarium has made an unforgettable impact on our community.

After decades of service, however, the building and its exhibits are showing their age. We’ve heard your concerns about the current state of the facility, and we take them seriously. The cost to maintain and improve the Imaginarium in order to meet community needs is no longer financially viable. Coupled with the challenges of the upcoming loss of levy funding, the Museum’s trustees, board, and staff have made the difficult decision to permanently close the Bluedorn Science Imaginarium. Its final day of operation was October 4, 2025.

But this is not the end—it’s a new beginning. We’re not losing a space; we’re creating a better one. By integrating hands-on science experiences into the main Grout Museum, we can offer a more accessible, inclusive, and sustainable environment for exploration and discovery. This transition allows us to focus our resources where they’re needed most—serving children and families in a space designed for the future of informal science education.

We are deeply grateful for your years of support, and we hope you’ll join us in this exciting new chapter. Keep an eye on our social media channels for in progress updates and for ways that you can support us going forward as we “Reimagine the Imag.”

"We are excited about the opportunities this new chapter of the Imaginarium creates for the Grout Museum District. Relocating our children's science center to the Grout Museum building harkens back to Mr. Grout's deep interest in history and science, while allowing us to design a space that best serves our visitors' needs. We are indebted to the creative minds that converted a savings and loan bank into the Imaginarium, but the upkeep of that building is no longer a sustainable option of our operations. This decision comes after a critical assessment for fiscal responsibility of the Grout's resources and how we best invest those resources to achieve our mission. We look forward to sharing more details with the public in the coming weeks as we open this new chapter," says Executive Director Margaret Moye.

Together, we’ll continue to spark curiosity, inspire learning, and serve the community we all care so deeply about.

Support us as we "Reimagine the Imag" in a new space at the Grout Museum.

For 32 years, the Bluedorn Science Imaginarium has inspired curiosity, creativity, and discovery for children and families across the Cedar Valley. Now, as we look to the future, we’re reimagining hands-on science learning inside the main Grout Museum—a more inclusive, sustainable, and engaging environment for everyone.

Your gift to Reimagine the Imag will help transform and integrate science experiences into a refreshed, future-focused space while ensuring this spirit of wonder continues for generations to come.

Campaign Goal: $300,000
($250,000 for exhibits and renovation + $50,000 for endowment support)

Ways to Make an Impact

Supporter - $1-$249
Be part of our new digital recognition screen inside the exhibit. Your name (or family’s) will appear as a lasting tribute to your support.

Explorer – $250+
Supports hands-on learning tools and materials for interactive science stations. Recognition on the campaign website and social media. Name listed in donor newsletter updates. Early behind-the-scenes updates on the new space.

Innovator – $1,000+
Helps fund exhibit components that encourage imagination, experimentation, and play. Recognition on campaign communications and website. Invitation to exclusive donor updates and sneak-peek opportunities. Highlighted in donor newsletters and social media spotlights.

Creator – $5,000+
Powers the purchase of new science exhibits. Recognition on exhibit signage. Invitation to tours during the renovation. Social media spotlight on donor contributions.

Visionary – $10,000+
Fuels installation of new, large exhibits. VIP preview event before public opening. Permanent recognition in the new space. Media acknowledgement highlighting leadership role.

Gallery Naming Opportunity – $80,000
A premier opportunity to name the new Imaginarium Science Gallery within the Grout Museum. This exclusive leadership gift honors your commitment to inspiring future generations of thinkers and explorers.

Learn More & Join Us

Carl A. & Peggy J. Bluedorn

Carl A. Bluedorn was an individual who was very active in the Waterloo/Cedar Falls community where he resided. He and his wife, Peggy, provided financial support for the Carl and Peggy Bluedorn Science Imaginarium at the Grout Museum District in Waterloo.