Wegmans breaks new ground — but not with a retail store

There is a new tourist attraction in Washington, D.C., and visitors have a retailer to thank.



The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History has opened “Wegmans Wonderplace,” the first gallery on the National Mall tailored for the learning needs of children six and under. The space, made possible by a $1.5 million gift and in-kind donations from Wegmans Food Market, allows kids to “cook” in a kitchen inspired by Julia Child’s.



In addition, they can plant and harvest pretend vegetables and run the farm stand, find the owls hiding in a miniature replica of the Smithsonian’s Castle building, and captain a tugboat based on a model in the museum’s collection.



The 1,700-sq.-ft. children’s center completes the museum’s 45,000-sq.-ft. Innovation Wing, which features 12 exhibitions, learning spaces and program places all centered on the themes of invention, creativity and business.



“We know that play is an integral part of sparking invention and innovation, and ‘Wegmans Wonderplace’ will ignite that innate curiosity in children and help guide them on a path to lifetime learning at the Smithsonian,” said John Gray, director of the museum.



“Wegmans’ mission is to help our customers live healthier, better lives, and that begins with children,” said Wegmans CEO Danny Wegman. “Having fun through play is the best way to inspire children to learn.” According to the company, the opening of ‘Wegmans Wonderplace’ at the end of this year will also help to usher in Wegmans’ 100th Anniversary in 2016.



“Wegmans Wonderplace” features six sections each with hands-on, play-based interdisciplinary activities. Each area combines artifact displays with fun hands-on activities to engage young children and their families.



More than 100 objects are displayed around “Wonderplace” to stimulate early learners’ interest in museums and American history. These artifacts from the museum’s collections will be presented in fun ways to get families excited about what they are seeing. In the Farm section, for example, kids will “find the animals” among the weathervanes, milk bottles, farm toys and lunch boxes.



Signage will guide parents and caregivers on how to help their children engage in the activities.



Wegmans is also supporting the museum’s new demonstration kitchen in the Wallace H. Coulter Performance Plaza. Part of the museum’s Food History Project, the kitchen hosts a diverse menu of programs and demonstrations that bring visitors together for relevant discussions that start with history and expand to the present and future of American food.