Sioux Falls, SD (10/12/2026) — A child’s curiosity about how things work can open a world of possibilities. Beginning Oct. 17, children ages 2–8 will have a new place to explore those possibilities when Let’s Build opens at the Washington Pavilion’s Kirby Science Discovery Center.
Made possible by the Home Builders Association of the Sioux Empire and the Home Builders Care Foundation, the new permanent exhibit brings together the Pavilion’s expertise in hands-on learning and its partners’ commitment to introducing families to the building industry. Together, the organizations are creating a space where children can experiment, solve problems and discover the satisfaction of building something with others.
Located on the fourth floor in the former Discovery Den space, Let’s Build invites young visitors into a community that needs their help. Through interactive building challenges, children explore simple machines, move objects and large loads and work together to find solutions. Taking turns, sharing ideas and trying a different approach are all part of the experience.
“At this age, play is how children begin to understand what they’re capable of,” said Maddy Grogan, Director of Museums and Education at the Washington Pavilion. “They can test an idea, ask for help and discover a solution together. Support from the Home Builders Association of the Sioux Empire and the Home Builders Care Foundation gives our youngest visitors a new space to build confidence and see their ideas take shape.”
The experience also helps families discover the people and skills behind the homes and communities around them. Career content highlights opportunities in electrical work, plumbing, HVAC, interior design, carpentry, construction and landscaping, connecting children’s interests with the many ways people make a living in the building industry.
“The building industry needs people who think creatively, solve problems and take pride in what they make. Those interests can start early,” said Teddi Mueller, Executive Vice President of the Home Builders Association of the Sioux Empire. “Through the support of HBA and the Home Builders Care Foundation, our partnership with the Washington Pavilion gives children a chance to explore what they enjoy and helps parents see just how many opportunities this industry offers, from skilled trades to leadership and business ownership.”
For parents and caregivers, Let’s Build offers a way to explore alongside their children and see their curiosity in action. For young builders, it offers opportunities to try new ideas, learn from each other and discover what they can accomplish together.
Representatives from the Home Builders Association of the Sioux Empire and the Home Builders Care Foundation will gather with Washington Pavilion leadership and staff for a small opening celebration from 4–6 p.m. Oct. 16, including a ribbon cutting in the fourth-floor exhibit space.
Let’s Build opens Oct. 17. For museum admission information and to plan a visit, visit WashingtonPavilion.org.
About Washington Pavilion Management, Inc. (WPMI)
Washington Pavilion Management, Inc. is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the largest arts organization in the state. The management company oversees and programs two historic City of Sioux Falls facilities: the Washington Pavilion
of Arts and Science and the Orpheum Theater Center. The company also provides professional management services, including administration; arts, science and educational programming; ticketing; event management; marketing; and more to other arts and nonprofit organizations. For information, please visit WashingtonPavilion.org.
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